Princeton, KY, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton celebrates a centenary of groundbreaking agricultural research, focusing on forage crops critical for the livestock industry. Despite recovering from a devastating tornado, the center continues to significantly impact Kentucky’s agricultural landscape through innovative research and educational outreach. Its history includes major findings in forage management and contributions to improved livestock productivity and soil health.
Princeton, KY – The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center (UKREC) in Princeton is commemorating a century of pivotal advancements in agricultural research, particularly in the realm of forage crops, while simultaneously recovering from the devastation caused by a tornado in December 2021. Established in 1925, the center has significantly contributed to Kentucky’s agriculture, particularly by improving forage crops essential for the livestock industry.
UKREC operates under the auspices of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. Its primary aim has been to enhance forage crops to promote better performance in grazing livestock. Research conducted at the center has direct implications for the beef, small ruminant, and equine farms that are integral to Kentucky’s agricultural landscape.
Director Chad Lee of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence emphasizes the impact of forage research in optimizing livestock productivity, soil health, and overall animal performance. This extensive research effort over the last 100 years has also included educational outreach programs aimed at equipping farmers with valuable knowledge and resources.
The UKREC’s foundational trials began with liming and fertilization efforts in 1927, when researchers tested rotating forages like clover and timothy with corn and wheat to improve soil fertility and yield. By recording average yearly weight gains of steers starting in 1929, the center was able to draw vital conclusions about effective soil management strategies, revealing that enhanced pastures could amplify average daily gains by as much as 3.5 times, dramatically improving over hundreds of thousands of acres of previously poor pastureland.
The influence of UKREC on Kentucky’s agriculture originated with its first superintendent, Sam Lowry, who advocated for increased grass production to bolster the state’s livestock industry. In 1931, UK agronomist E.N. Fergus discovered Kentucky 31 tall fescue, a grass that would become a staple in cool-season agriculture due to its robustness, despite later recognition of related health issues for livestock from fescue toxicosis.
In response to the challenges posed by fescue toxicosis, UKREC initiated research in the 1970s to develop strategies that would minimize livestock exposure. The introduction of the endophyte-free variety known as Johnstone in 1982 was a milestone, although it proved less resilient than the original. The discovery of a novel endophyte named Max Q in 1997 resulted in the development of new fescue varieties, including Lacefield Max Q II, which was released in 2018.
Through its initiatives, UKREC recognized the high nutritional potential of alfalfa and initiated efforts to broaden its implementation in Kentucky as early as 1974. This was complemented by the development of a no-till seed drill that revolutionized how legumes could be integrated into tall fescue fields. The establishment of the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference in 1981 further promoted alfalfa knowledge among farmers in the region.
Current research efforts spotlight a variety of clover types, with Kenland clover—developed in 1947—emerging as the dominant red clover variety, effective in mitigating the adverse effects of fescue toxicosis. The Master Grazer Program, initiated in 2006, continues to bolster grazing education across Kentucky. The Heart of America Grazing and Forage Conference, organized by the center, attracted over 400 attendees in 2023, underscoring the ongoing relevance of forage education and research.
UKREC is also adapting its research focus to address pressing challenges posed by climate change, including rising summer temperatures that affect agricultural practices. Following the catastrophic tornado that damaged the center’s facilities and impacted livestock and crops, temporary buildings have been established to restore operations. Local farmers and community members have rallied to support affected residents, providing essential resources like water and fencing for cattle.
Various relief funds have also been launched to assist farmers and students affected by the tornado as UKREC reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding and maintaining its critical services for Kentucky farmers. As the center reflects on its legacy of enhancing Kentucky’s $1 billion beef cattle industry, it remains dedicated to continuing and expanding its agricultural research and outreach initiatives for the next century.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center?
The primary focus of UKREC is to improve forage crops for higher-producing grazing livestock, which is essential for Kentucky’s agriculture.
When was UKREC established and what are its contributions?
Established in 1925, UKREC has made significant contributions to forage research, impacting livestock productivity and soil health in Kentucky Agriculture.
How is UKREC supporting recovery efforts after the tornado?
UKREC is committed to rebuilding after the tornado. They have established temporary buildings for staff to resume work and have launched relief funds to support affected farmers and students.
Key Features of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1925 |
| Focus Area | Forage Crop Research |
| Recent Events | Tornado in December 2021 |
| Key Contributions | Enhanced livestock productivity and soil health through research |
| Current Innovatives | Research towards climate adaptation in agriculture |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UK Research Center Celebrates Century of Forage Crop Innovation
Celebrating Agricultural Achievements in Lexington
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Dean Stephenson Reiterates Mission of UK’s Princeton Location
- Lane Report: 100 Years of UK Research and Education at Princeton, KY
- Farm Progress: Tornado Won’t Derail University of Kentucky Ag Research Efforts
- Morning Ag Clips: UK Shows New High-Tech Device to Weigh Cattle
- WTVQ: UK Farm Research Center, Other Facilities Leveled by Tornado
- Wikipedia: Agriculture in Kentucky
- Google Search: University of Kentucky Research and Education Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- Google Scholar: Forage Crops Kentucky
- Google News: University of Kentucky Agriculture
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