UK Research and Education Center at Princeton
Rising From the Rubble
For decades, the UK Research and Education Center (UKREC) at Princeton has housed individuals committed to the science of production agriculture. In December 2021, the facility took a direct hit from a tornado that carved a path of destruction across the state. Approximately 39 structures, including the main research building, were destroyed or severely damaged.
But UKREC employees continue to press on, offering help where and when their fellow Kentuckians need it most. Now, work is underway not just to rebuild but also to improve the center's facilities. The renovations will include:
- Consolidating multiple older structures into a single, more efficient field processing building to house all equipment for processing plant and soil samples under one roof.
- A new graduate student dormitory-style house offering comfortable, single-occupancy bedrooms with semi-private bathrooms.
Project Details
Recovery Began January 2022 Construction Completed Spring 2026Structure Overview
17
COMPLETED
Six equipment storage sheds, dark fire barn, air cure shed, air cure barn, tobacco greenhouse, fertilizer shed, silage pad to replace silos, farm shop, field research building, residence hall, chemical storage and cattle handling facility
3
IN PROCESS
GFCE, feed barn and greenhouse/headhouse
3
IN PLANNING
Crop protection complex and cattle handling facility
"Our journey over the past two years is a testament to perseverance. Each new structure and improvement at UKREC represents a step towards a future serving our community and the agricultural sector more effectively for the next 100 years.”
Carrie Knott
UKREC Director
