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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Tidewater Research Station


Tidewater Research StationPlay Video

The Tidewater Research Station is home to a vast array of projects on its 1,558 acres of woodlands, croplands, pastures, ponds and facilities. The Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center on the station houses research and Extension specialists in swine, beef, entomology, plant pathology, crop and soil sciences, horticulture science and aquaculture. In addition, the center holds seven modern research laboratories and a conference center that can seat more than 300 people.

What We Do

Field Crops

Field crops — including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and Irish potatoes — are all evaluated and researched at the Tidewater Station. Objectives include the improvement and expansion of integrated pest management practices; development of disease and insect resistant crops; and breeding better plants. All projects are conducted in the fields or in the station’s state-of-the-art greenhouse.

Field Crops at Tidewater Research Station

Aquaculture

Field crops — including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and Irish potatoes — are all evaluated and researched at the Tidewater Station. Objectives include the improvement and expansion of integrated pest management practices; development of disease and insect resistant crops; and breeding better plants. All projects are conducted in the fields or in the station’s state-of-the-art greenhouse.

Hybrid Striped Bass at NC State's Pamlico Aquaculture Field Lab in Aurora, N.C.

Swine and Cattle

Researchers use herds of swine at the Tidewater Research Station to study the energy, protein and mineral nutrition of swine. The station has both white line and black line swine breeds. In addition, stocker cattle—calves that weigh between 400 to 500 pounds and have been weaned from the mother for at least 30 days—are the subject of grazing research at the station.

A cow in the middle of a field

Water and Forest Systems

NC State scientists conduct drainage and irrigation projects and study groundwater contamination at the station. Among other projects, researchers examine forest systems to support food, fiber, energy and water; short-rotation forest systems for bioenergy, wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge; and forest systems to manage climate extremes.

The Tidewater Research Station.

Making Connections That Produce Results

CALS researchers harvest Striped Bass fry (eggs) at NC State's Pamlico Aquaculture Field Lab in Aurora, N.C.

Connecting cutting-edge research with farmers and business owners who need it is perhaps the most worthwhile goal of NC State Extension specialists. Thanks to one phone call, Jones County farmer Scott Deal received the aquaculture training and support he needed to make his hybrid striped bass hatchery a success.

Read the Story 

On-site Weather

For more than 75 years, the Research Stations Division has worked with the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide accurate, statewide weather data. When you hear and see local and national weather reports, you can be sure meteorologists and climatologists are using information gathered from our stations.

Tidewater Station Weather 

signature events

More Field Days and Commodity Meetings
A tractor sprays a field of crops.

Farm Safety Day

Visitors receive safety information on a variety of topics and can watch active demonstrations. 

corn crop

Organic Field Day

Join Organic Field Day for a discussion of crops and current production practices across the state followed by lunch and a word from organic buyers. 

Contact Us

Outside of the Tidewater Research Station

Tidewater Research Station
Rusty Collins, Station Superintendent
207 Research Station Road
Plymouth, NC 27962
252-793-4118
Stephen.Collins@ncagr.gov

Tidewater Research Station was established in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (NCDA&CS) Research Stations Division.