The SIRP Story

The UGA C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) was developed to be a state-of-the-art irrigation research and education center to assist farmers in managing irrigation and the general public in understanding the role of water in the economy of the region. Using the Irrigation Park's land and equipment as a focal point of their efforts, scientists, engineers, extension specialists, and staff collaborate to define crop water needs, improve food, feed and fiber production under irrigation, and find more efficient ways to apply irrigation water. The Park, initiated in 2000, includes 130 acres in western Mitchell County (approximately 3 miles from the Flint River) and was located there to host research on soils and weather representative of the southwest corner of Georgia. It has an exceptional irrigation research infrastructure that includes five center pivot systems and four linear-move systems with high quality water provided by three Floridan aquifer and one Claiborne aquifer deep wells. Crops being studied at SIRP include cotton, corn, peanut, sweet corn, and soybean.

To fulfill its mission of education and outreach, each year SIRP hosts a number of such events at the facility. These events include 4-H2O Summer Camp, Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL), The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, Lee County Middle School East Ag/STEM class, Southeast Extension 4-H Scout School, 4-H and FFA soil judging contests, and a biennial Field Day (to be held August 3, 2023). SIRP also hosts monthly meetings of the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District and a recent meeting of the Lower Flint – Ochlocknee Regional Water Council. SIRP participates in the Smart Irrigation Month activities each year in July.