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 40546-0312Hemp Production Staff
Tom Keene
Hemp Agronomy Specialist
(859) 257-3144 tom.keene@uky.edu N-222B Ag. Science Bldg. North Lexington, KY 40546-0091Tara Valentine
Hemp Field Manager
(859) 257-5110 tara.valentine@uky.edu 319 Plant Science Building Lexington, KYPlant Pathology Faculty & Staff
Dr. Nicole Gauthier
Hemp Extension Plant Pathologist/Extension Professor
(859) 218-0720 ngauthier@uky.edu 203 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546-0312Kimberly Leonberger
Extension Associate
kimberly.leonberger@uky.edu 209 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546-0312Agricultural Economics Faculty
Dr. Tyler Mark
Hemp Economist/Associate Professor
(859) 257-7283 tyler.mark@uky.edu 417 Charles E. Barnhart Building Lexington, KY 40546-0276Entomology 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 42445-0469Biosystems 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