3 years since the tornado: UK research center rebuilds stronger, reaffirming role in Kentucky agriculture

PRINCETON, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2024) — On Dec. 11, 2021, an EF-4 tornado struck the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton (UKREC), leaving behind only remnants of a facility that had been an essential contributor to Kentucky’s agricultural research. Decades of infrastructure and millions of dollars in equipment were destroyed overnight, reducing one of the state’s key agricultural assets to rubble. Now, three years after the storm, the Western Kentucky center is rebuilding and becoming better than before.

UKREC director Carrie Knott looks back on those three years as a time of intense adjustment and, ultimately, growth.

“The day after the storm, our team was faced with an enormous task: How do we continue the work that so many depend on when we’ve lost everything we built over decades?” Knott said. “But for us, stopping was not an option.”

Part of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, UKREC plays a critical role supporting the state’s farmers and agricultural industry. Established nearly a century ago, the center has been at the forefront of agricultural research, from crop disease prevention to soil fertility and beef cattle nutrition and management. Kentucky’s agricultural community relies on UKREC for information and innovations directly impacting their farms’ success and sustainability.

While losing the infrastructure of this research hub was a significant loss to the state’s agricultural industry, the last three years have transformed UKREC into a more advanced research institution that better meets the demands of today’s agricultural climate.

From devastation to renewal: A new facility with a mission

In the immediate aftermath of the tornado, the center’s staff faced the daunting prospect of continuing research and outreach with few resources. The loss of the main buildings, labs and critical field equipment resulted in the center’s operations coming to a standstill. However, within weeks, researchers began working with temporary facilities and received support from collaborators across the region, determined to continue their work.

Kiersten Wise, a UKREC plant pathologist, highlighted the challenges and resilience required to keep the research going.

“After the storm, it was as if we were starting from scratch,” she said. “We had to quickly adapt, finding creative ways to get our research done and still deliver results to farmers who rely on us.”

One example of this resilience is Wise’s continuation of a major study on northern corn leaf blight, a disease that can significantly impact corn yields across the state. This project was at risk of being abandoned due to the damage, but thanks to partnerships with other institutions, the study continued, and findings were made available to Kentucky farmers.

“We didn’t let the tornado stop us,” Wise said. “We worked with colleagues at other institutions who stepped up, helping us finish critical projects.”

A modernized approach to research

Today, UKREC has completed 13 new buildings, with six others still under construction and five in the planning phase. This transformation has brought modern facilities that streamline research processes, improve storage and create a more effective environment for agricultural science.

The newly established field research building is one of the most significant upgrades. Unlike the old setup, where researchers had to use multiple aging buildings spread across the property, the new facility brings most field preparation and post-harvest processing into one centralized location.

“This field research building will fundamentally change how we operate,” Knott said. “It consolidates everything we need for fieldwork preparation, making our process far more practical and organized. We’re set up in a way that reflects the demands of current agricultural research.”

The addition of equipment sheds is another critical improvement. Prior to the tornado, storage options were limited, often resulting in high-value equipment being exposed to the elements. Now, the new sheds offer protection from weather, extending the lifespan of essential research tools.

“For researchers working in the field, having secure, weather-resistant storage isn’t just convenient — it’s a necessity,” said plant pathologist Carl Bradley, who leads several crop disease studies at UKREC. “These sheds keep our equipment safe and available when we need it, and that translates into better, uninterrupted research outcomes.”

Another significant addition on the horizon is a state-of-the-art greenhouse, which will allow researchers to conduct nearly year-round studies on plant disease, pest resistance and crop adaptation. This facility will address previous limitations, particularly for research that requires specific climate and growth conditions.

“The greenhouse will be a pivotal addition to our capabilities,” Knott said. “It means that we can conduct critical research nearly all year, without the interruptions caused by Kentucky’s changing seasons. For studies on crop resilience, pest resistance, and new plant varieties, this kind of setup is essential.”

The new greenhouse will not only enable research continuity but will also support emerging fields in agricultural science, such as sustainable pest control and precision agriculture. By studying crops in a controlled environment, researchers can gather data that help Kentucky farmers stay ahead of potential challenges, ensuring the longevity and health of their crops.

Reconnecting with the community: Outreach events and field days

Rebuilding the physical structures was only part of UKREC’s task. The staff were also committed to reconnecting with the community, which has also served as a valuable source of information, advice and practical support. This year marked the first time all field days occurred at UKREC since the tornado, welcoming local farmers, stakeholders and students.

“Field days have always been a way to bridge our research with those who can benefit from it directly,” Knott said. “The tornado may have slowed us down, but it didn’t stop our commitment to sharing what we know with Kentucky’s farmers.”

Field days, like the Corn, Soybean and Tobacco Field Day, allow farmers and stakeholders to learn about the latest advancements in crop management, pest control and disease prevention. Producers speak with researchers about ongoing projects, getting a firsthand look at the center’s advancements and its dedication to agricultural progress.

Bradley, who has worked through every phase of the rebuilding, noted that these interactions are invaluable.

“When farmers come here and see what we’re doing, it reinforces the value of what we offer them. It’s about showing them that we’re here for the long haul,” Bradley said.

A legacy of service to Kentucky’s farmers

From pioneering soil conservation practices to contributing to advancements in crop breeding, the center’s work has shaped the practices of generations of farmers. This legacy faced its greatest challenge after the tornado, but the commitment of its staff, other institutions and the surrounding community have ensured its survival and growth.

Knott emphasized that the center’s commitment remains unchanged.

“The tornado was a setback, but we’re as dedicated as ever to supporting Kentucky’s agriculture. Our mission is to be here for farmers, whatever it takes.”

The journey over the last three years has solidified UKREC’s role as an anchor for agricultural research and education in the region. While the buildings and equipment are vital to the center’s operation, its success ultimately lies in the dedication of the people who work there.

Staff members have been instrumental in keeping the center’s research going, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

“The story of UKREC isn’t just about new buildings or better labs,” Bradley said. “It’s about the people who never gave up on our work, who found ways to keep us moving forward, even when everything around us was in ruins.”

In the Fall of 2025, UKREC will celebrate its 100-year anniversary at their center in Princeton. More event details will be announced in early 2025.

For more information on UKREC, visit https://wkrec.ca.uky.edu/. To keep updated on the current, ongoing rebuilding projects at UKREC visit https://future.ca.uky.edu/projects/ukrec.