UK Hemp Research, Extension, and Education
UK Hemp Research, Extension, and Education

About Us

About Us

Mission

University of Kentucky researchers, Extension specialist, and educators have come together to advance hemp as a crop for producers in the Commonwealth. Individuals from Plant and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Economics, Entomology, and Biosystems Engineering collaborate to expand and extend knowledge about industrial hemp production. Programs encompass field and greenhouse production aspects, as well as work on grain, fiber, and cannabinoid cultivars.

A Grower's First Resource - Kentucky Cooperative Extension System

Kentucky boast a robust Extension program with County Extension Agents in all 120 counties across the state.

These agents are able to assist growers in their local areas. 

To find your County Extension Office visit: http://extension.ca.uky.edu/county

Industrial Hemp Program Lead

Dr. Bob Pearce

Hemp Extension Specialist/Extension Professor

(859) 257-7125 rpearce@uky.edu 319 Plant Science Building, 1405 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40546-0312

Hemp Production Staff

Tom Keene

Hemp Agronomy Specialist

(859) 257-3144 tom.keene@uky.edu N-222B Ag. Science Bldg. North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

Tara Valentine

Hemp Field Manager

(859) 257-5110 tara.valentine@uky.edu 319 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY

Plant Pathology Faculty & Staff

Dr. Nicole Gauthier

Hemp Extension Plant Pathologist/Extension Professor

(859) 218-0720 ngauthier@uky.edu 203 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546-0312

Kimberly Leonberger

Extension Associate

kimberly.leonberger@uky.edu 209 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546-0312

Agricultural Economics Faculty

Dr. Tyler Mark

Hemp Economist/Associate Professor

(859) 257-7283 tyler.mark@uky.edu 417 Charles E. Barnhart Building Lexington, KY 40546-0276

Entomology Faculty

Dr. Raul Villanueva

Hemp Extension Entomologist/Assistant Professor

(270) 562-1335 raul.villanueva@uky.edu 1205 Hopkinsville Street P.O. Box 469 U.K. Research & Education Center Princeton, KY 42445-0469

Biosystems Engineering Faculty

Dr. Timothy Stombaugh

Machine Systems Engineer/Extension Professor

(859) 218-4351 tim.stombaugh@uky.edu 214 C.E. Barnhart Building Lexington, KY 40546-0276

Contact Information

Bob Pearce, Ph.D
Extension Professor

319 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546

859-257-5110

rpearce@uky.edu