About the Center

Mission Statement

The mission of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to serve Virginia’s agricultural and equine industries through state-of-the-art research based education, scientific discovery, applied science, youth engagement and community support.

History of the AREC

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center was established in 1949 through the generous donation of land and facilities by the late Paul Mellon. Mr. Mellon had the forethought to recognize a need in this region for improvements in agriculture that would in turn improve the lives of our families. He was passionate about caring for the soil and the agricultural industry; he saw the connection between healthy soil and profitable agriculture. He was interested in better ways to raise high quality food. He had a passion for horses that can still be felt in Middleburg today. During his famous radio address at the Middleburg Community Center on July 15, 1949, Mr. Mellon bestowed 2 of his farms to Virginia Tech, Edgewood and Green Hill. They would become the Middleburg AREC that we have today.

The farm covers 420 acres in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont. It encompasses 275 acres of pasture, 55 acres of improved wildlife habitat, 45 acres of mixed hardwoods, student housing, offices, research barns, sections of pollinator habitat and native grass meadows.

For more than 76 years the AREC has been instrumental in advancing the frontier of knowledge related to the care and well-being of the horse and productive forage management for livestock producers. Many of today's common practices regarding equine nutrition, growth and development, pasture management and exercise physiology were developed as a result of research conducted at the Center. Today, we continue the rich tradition of research in pasture-based nutrition, land stewardship, natural resource conservation, equine and cattle pasture management, wearable technology, soil health and ecosystem management.

Carrying Mr. Mellon's Vision Forward

The AREC along with Virginia Tech faculty and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents host; graduate research education/projects, undergraduate hands on learning activities and community education experiences throughout the year. The Center provides an immersive learning environment designed for students of all ages with a passion for Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Plant and Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Land Stewardship, Ag Technology and more. With help from community partners, industry professionals and local educational institutions; The AREC helps today's beginners become tomorrow's leaders.