2025 UKREC Annual Report
Letter from UKREC Managing Director
It is rare that any of us have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the accomplishments and significance of the work we complete each year, let alone the work of others. As you read through the second UKREC Annual Report, which Vickie Belt has so creatively assembled, my hope is that you learn at least one major accomplishment or achievement that occurred at UKREC that you were unaware of. It is because of the productivity and commitment of the faculty and staff at UKREC that novel and innovative solutions are developed to help solve the complex challenges the agricultural industry faces each day. It is a true pleasure to share all the hard work they have invested during the Centennial Year of the University of Kentucky’s Research and Education Center.
Carrie Knott, Ph.D.
1925-2025: 100 Years of Serving Kentucky Agriculture
The UK Research and Education Center (UKREC) in Princeton has served Kentucky agriculture for over a century, hosting research, field days and educational events.
2025 Events and Programs
726 Total Attendees Visited UKREC
- March 1-Winter Feeding Field Day (16 attendees)
- March 27-Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour (31 attendees)
- May 13-Wheat Field Day (100 attendees)
- July 22-Corn, Soybean, & Tobacco Field Day (157 attendees)
- July 22-Beef and Forage Field Day (50 attendees)
- July 24-KY High School Crop Scouting Competition (60 attendees)
- October 16-100-Year Celebration (300 attendees)
- December 13-Winter Feeding Field Day (12 attendees)
Shared-Use Vehicle and Trolley Requests
Times Checked Out:
- SUV - 149
- Truck - 29
- Trolley - 50
Completed Work Orders
- Facility - 141
- Farm - 217
- IT - 148
- Mechanic - 154
- Staff - 146
Policies and Guidelines Reviewed by the Advisory Committee
- The Advisory Committee Mission
- UKREC Temporary Housing Policy
- UKREC Room Reservation Policy
Projects at UKREC
Awards
Faculty and Staff:
Dr. John Grove
Extension/Research Program Award-as a part of the Blue Water Farms Project Team (Brad Lee, Erin Haramoto, Jason Unrine and John Grove)
Dr. Kiersten Wise
2025 Distinguished Service Award for the Southern Soybean Disease Workers
Will Barlow
2024-2025 IPSS Outstanding Continuing Ph.D. Student 1st Place
Students:
Kaylee Ladd
FFA State Champion Forage Proficiency
FFA State Degree Recipient
Daniel Laurent
FFA State Champion Swine Entp. Proficiency
FFA Diversified Livestock Proficiency
FFA State Degree Recipient
KY 4-H State Livestock Judging Team
FFA Regional President
Harper Ritchey
Received FY 2026 Undergraduate Research Award - a grant to work on a soil incubation study focused on the chemical interaction between lime and phosphorus on soil pH and phosphorus bioavailability. Research Mentor: John Grove
2025 Ag Athlete of the Year
FFA State Champion Agriscience Fair Environmental Science Division 5
FFA State Degree Recipient
Kentucky 4-H State Vice President
Paycen Rogers
FFA State Degree Recipient
Agriculture Future of America Leadership Program
State Fair Country Ham 3rd Overall
Livestock Judging 9th Overall