The Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center is located off Turkey Creek Road in the Sessums community of Oktibbeha County. The first acquisition of land at this site occurred in 1974 when 726+ acres were purchased from Mr. William White. A second purchase of 279+ acres was made in 1981. The milking herd was moved to this location in the mid 1980's from the old location north of the Mississippi State University campus on highway 182. That land is now occupied by the Thad Cochran Research and Technology Park and the MSU Athletic Department.

The Research support staff at the Dairy Research Center is responsible for all forage production for the dairy herd. This includes all hay, silage and pasture forage. In addition to supporting some forage research, they are responsible for all the land, equipment, grounds, water lines, perimeter fencing and the exteriors of the buildings.

An aerial view of the Joe Bearden Research Center can be seen here.