Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tuesday participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new research facility, known as the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit. The University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment will host the new facility. Vilsack says, “Today’s groundbreaking builds on more than two decades of partnership with the University of Kentucky, while demonstrating USDA’s latest commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible for agriculture.” Upon completion, targeted for 2026, the new facility will encompass approximately 52,600 total square feet of office, supporting a research laboratory space, as well as a collaborative area, headhouse and eight-bay greenhouses.
It will be staffed by six Agricultural Research Service scientists, seven university researchers, laboratory technicians, and administrative personnel. Earlier this month, USDA released a three-year science and research strategy, which establishes a scientific framework to transform the U.S. food system and support our nation’s farmers, ranchers, producers and foresters.
