U.K. Research and Education Center Rebuilds After Tornado Damage

Interim director shares progress on rebuilding efforts at the 1,652-acre campus in Princeton, Kentucky.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:35pm

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More than four years after a devastating tornado damaged or destroyed half of its facilities, the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton is making steady progress on its rebuilding efforts. Interim Director Dr. Jeremy Teal recently presented an update to the Princeton Rotary Club, highlighting the near completion of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, the upcoming finish of the Beef Cattle Facilities and Feed Barn, and plans for other new buildings and infrastructure.

Why it matters

The Research Center's rebuilding efforts are crucial for the continuation of its important research and education programs serving the local agricultural community. The tornado caused significant damage, but the new and improved facilities will ultimately benefit researchers and the region.

The details

The December 2021 tornado destroyed 39 out of 59 buildings on the Research Center's 1,652-acre campus, coming close to wiping out nearly all of its structures. In the years since, the Center has made substantial progress, with the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence nearing completion to house its main meeting, office, and lab spaces. The Beef Cattle Facilities and Feed Barn is set to finish this month, while other projects like the Chemical Handling and Storage facility, Greenhouse and Headhouse, paving, and signage are in various stages of planning and construction.

  • The devastating tornado struck in December 2021.
  • The Grain and Forage Center of Excellence may be ready for move-in within the next couple of months, by March 27th at the latest.
  • The Beef Cattle Facilities and Feed Barn is scheduled to be finished this month.
  • The Greenhouse and Headhouse project began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed sometime in May.
  • A paving project will be bid in the spring, followed by the installation of new signage.

The players

Dr. Jeremy Teal

Interim Director of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton.

University of Kentucky Research and Education Center

A 1,652-acre research and education campus in Princeton, Kentucky that was significantly damaged by a tornado in 2021 and is now in the process of rebuilding.

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What they’re saying

“If there is any positive outcome from the difficult tornado recovery, it's that the U.K. Research and Education Center is rebuilding stronger than before.”

— Dr. Jeremy Teal, Interim Director

“Researchers will benefit from brand-new equipment, facilities, and offices.”

— Dr. Jeremy Teal, Interim Director

What’s next

The Chemical Handling and Storage facility will be divided into separate buildings and put out for bids soon, while the Greenhouse and Headhouse project is expected to be finished sometime in May. A paving project will then be bid in the spring, followed by the installation of new signage.

The takeaway

The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center's rebuilding efforts after the devastating 2021 tornado demonstrate resilience and a commitment to emerging stronger, with new and improved facilities that will ultimately benefit the important research and education programs serving the local agricultural community.