By Blake Jackson
In the mid-1920s, a dedicated group of Caldwell County residents pooled resources to purchase 400 acres near Princeton, Kentucky, inviting the University of Kentucky to establish a research “sub-station” focused on crop and livestock studies.
While early efforts focused on tobacco and soil fertility, beef cattle quickly became a priority, shaping the future of agriculture in Western Kentucky.
When the West Kentucky Sub-Experiment Station opened in 1925, it featured a dairy barn and paddocks. Though dairying led early livestock research, local producers soon pushed for more beef-focused studies.
In 1928, the station began trials with yearling steers on improved pastures, which were limed and reseeded with clover.
The results showed cattle on improved land gained significantly more weight than those on poor-quality pasture, highlighting how better grazing could enhance beef production.
By the 1930s and 1940s, research expanded to feedlot fattening trials and stronger partnerships with area farmers. Samuel Lowry, the station’s first superintendent, said, "It is my belief that our brightest ray of hope for any marked increase in the agricultural wealth of Kentucky will be found in further development of our livestock industry, following the development of better pastures."
In 1961, the station introduced a purebred Hereford herd, providing improved genetics and breeding insights. The following year, it hosted Kentucky’s first performance-tested bull sale, an event that became central to regional cattle breeding for decades.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the herd was rebuilt to improve uniformity and health, shifting from Herefords to Black Angus. Roy Burris, emeritus faculty, recalled, “We essentially rebuilt the herd from the ground up. Over time, the Princeton herd became known for its uniformity and health and surprised a lot of people.”
Later research focused on preconditioning calves and nutrition, showing that early health investment increased returns and reduced sickness.
Partnerships with UK’s Lexington campus helped analyze feed efficiency and develop feeding strategies using by-products like distillers’ grains.
Today, UKREC uses advanced technology such as smart ear tags and genomic testing to improve herd management. Katherine VanValin noted, “One of the reasons this work has been so impactful is that the amount of selenium that can be fed to livestock is regulated, so producers cannot simply feed more selenium to combat deficiencies, but they can feed a better type of selenium.”
As it nears its 100th anniversary, the UK Research and Education Center at Princeton remains a vital hub for Kentucky’s beef industry and beyond, blending a rich history with a commitment to innovation and producer support.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle