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UK Ag Research and Education Center takes direct tornado hit

Damage at the UK Ag Research and Education Center
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Damage at the UK Ag Research and Education Center

The agriculture communities of western Kentucky have been greatly impacted by tornado activity. The University of Kentucky’s Research and Education Center in Princeton took a direct hit.

The agriculture communities of western Kentucky have been greatly impacted by tornado activity. The University of Kentucky’s Research and Education Center in Princeton took a direct hit. UK Grain and Forage Center of Excellence Director Chad Lee said all 68 workers at the research site are accounted for, but office, lab, and meeting space are no more. “That building, we cut a ribbon on it in 2019. It was essentially brand new to us, and it’s gone. It’s gone,” said Lee.

Lee noted restoring lab space will be challenging. He added Murray State University officials have offered space there. The impact on ag research could be significant. “We’ve got scientists who were here for 30, 40 years, working for the University of Kentucky. This is their life’s work. This is their calling. This is what they were meant to do. And now you’re looking at a potential of that being gone,” said Lee.

Lee said some individual farmer storage bins were broken open and, if rain comes, the grain could be ruined. He noted it amounts to a year’s income for a farmer. The UK ag official added the generosity has been tremendous with farmers helping farmers.

Here's the entire interview with UK's Chad Lee:

4CHADLEE.mp3

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Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
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