A 534-acre historic farm, known as the Eagle Rest Plantation, donated to Murray State last year is now serving as a research and demonstration hub for cover crop and industrial hemp.
Hutson School of Agriculture Dean Tony Brannon says projects on a portion of the farm are just the beginning of long-term research and development.
Brannon says the property’s primary function is cover crop research. Cover crops serve as a placeholder for cash crops to preserve soil moisture and health. He says the university is working in conjunction with farmer and benefactor Judge Jimmy Don Robinson.