Gov. Brian Kemp and UGA President Jere W. Morehead,. middle, are joined by university and state dignitaries for the ribbon cutting of the Poultry Science Building. (Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

October 12, 2023
by Jere W. Morehead, President

Last week, the University of Georgia dedicated the new $54.1 million Poultry Science Building on Science and Ag Hill. This 70,000-square-foot facility includes state-of-the art laboratories, collaborative meeting spaces, and classrooms that promote active learning. The building will play a critical role in supporting Georgia’s poultry industry, which leads the nation in poultry production and contributes more than $28 billion to our state’s economy every year.

UGA’s strong relationship with the poultry industry exemplifies our university’s land-grant mission. All of Georgia’s poultry producers benefit from the vaccines and therapeutics created from UGA faculty research as well as other advances we are making in genetics, nutrition, production management, and other areas. UGA students graduate ready to contribute to the poultry industry as producers, breeders, managers, veterinarians, and more. And UGA Extension agents help Georgians throughout the state translate the latest research into practical advice to ensure the safety and vitality of the industry.

The Poultry Science Building represents what is possible when private donors and government, industry, and university leaders all work together to advance agriculture and higher education in our state. I look forward to seeing the ways in which this new facility will help solidify UGA’s position as a global leader in poultry science and ensure a bright future for this important field.