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 August 2025Structure Overview
11
COMPLETED
Six equipment storage sheds, dark fire barn, air cure shed, tobacco greenhouse, fertilizer shed and silage pad to replace silos
4
IN PROCESS
GFCE, Farm Shop, Field Processing Building and Residence Hall
8
IN PLANNING
Pesticide storage, crop protection complex, air cure barn, greenhouse, headhouse, cattle handling facilities, feed barn and Animal and Food Science storage shed
"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
