University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics

Call Directions Website Contact the university

University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics The department works to provide knowledge and information that will assist in solving social and eco and Ph.D..

Agricultural Economics is the major of approximately 250 undergraduates in the UK College of Agriculture and approximately 40 graduate students evenly split between M.S. The department attracts students interested in topics such as business and entrepreneurship, farm management, natural resource economics, international and rural development, and public policy. Students learn techniques in marketing, management, data analysis, and problem solving- skills which are useful on the farm, in agribusinesses and in public agencies.

Agricultural economics plays an important role in the rapidly changing world of AI, data, and agriculture. We are please...
10/22/2026

Agricultural economics plays an important role in the rapidly changing world of AI, data, and agriculture. We are pleased to help organize the Nov. 4 Agriculture Day of the Kentucky Innovator Challenge: R&D Partnerships Week, featuring“Harvesting Intelligence: Big Data and AI in Agriculture.”
The event brings researchers and industry leaders together to explore how AI and big data are changing agricultural retail and food systems and how research partnerships can help address emerging challenges.

Registration is free at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/zxmq0FS/kyinnovatorchallenge

Building connections. Exploring careers. Creating opportunities.Our students have been actively engaging with employers,...
10/07/2026

Building connections. Exploring careers. Creating opportunities.

Our students have been actively engaging with employers, alumni, and industry leaders through several recent events, including the Agribusiness Club Picnic, the Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair, the MG-CAFE Commodity Breakfast, and an Industry and Alumni Panel in the AEC 301 Career Readiness course.

From networking with 60 employers at the Signature Industries Career Fair to connecting with stakeholders and alumni at the Commodity Breakfast, these experiences help students expand their professional networks, learn from industry professionals, and prepare for successful careers.

A special thank you to our alumni, employers, and industry partners who continue to invest in the next generation of agricultural and agribusiness leaders.

When agriculture faces economic uncertainty, trusted information matters. Dr. Jordan Shockley was featured by LEX 18, di...
09/18/2026

When agriculture faces economic uncertainty, trusted information matters. Dr. Jordan Shockley was featured by LEX 18, discussing "Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update", a collaborative resource developed by Extension economists across the South. The publication provides practical guidance on market outlooks, risk management, farm business strategies, and building long-term resilience for farm operations. https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/economist-resources-for-farmers-sept-18-2026

Kentucky farmers: If you use an Agricultural Tax Exemption (AE) number, don't forget to renew it before December 31, 202...
09/16/2026

Kentucky farmers: If you use an Agricultural Tax Exemption (AE) number, don't forget to renew it before December 31, 2026. In their latest article, Jonathan Shepherd and Tarrah Hardin explain the renewal process, key deadlines, and what producers need to know to maintain eligibility for Kentucky's agricultural sales tax exemptions. Read more: https://agecon.mgcafe.uky.edu/articles/kentucky-agricultural-tax-exemption-numbers

Looking for ways to strengthen farm cash flow? In her latest article, Tarrah Hardin shares practical strategies producer...
09/14/2026

Looking for ways to strengthen farm cash flow? In her latest article, Tarrah Hardin shares practical strategies producers can consider, including increasing income, managing debt, reducing expenses, diversifying revenue sources, and making strategic decisions about farm assets. A timely resource for navigating today’s challenging farm economy. Read more: https://agecon.mgcafe.uky.edu/articles/ways-increase-cash-flow-farm

What’s next for Kentucky to***co? In his latest update, Dr. Will Snell examines the changing landscape of the to***co in...
09/11/2026

What’s next for Kentucky to***co? In his latest update, Dr. Will Snell examines the changing landscape of the to***co industry, highlighting trends in burley and dark to***co markets, shifting consumer demand, global competition, and what these changes mean for Kentucky growers. A timely look at the challenges and opportunities facing one of the Commonwealth’s historic agricultural sectors. Read the full article: https://agecon.mgcafe.uky.edu/articles/to***co-update-and-outlook

Our faculty continue to make a difference for Kentucky agriculture and beyond.Six faculty members from the University of...
09/10/2026

Our faculty continue to make a difference for Kentucky agriculture and beyond.
Six faculty members from the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics contributed to the new Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center publication, Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update. The resource provides practical, research-based guidance to help farmers navigate tightening margins, rising production costs, and uncertain markets. From livestock markets and row-crop profitability to lender communication, value-added marketing, and long-term resilience, our faculty are helping producers make informed decisions during challenging economic times.
https://uknow.uky.edu/research/uk-agricultural-economists-offer-new-guidance-collaborative-farmer-resource

We welcomed our graduate and undergraduate students at orientation last week, and today the Fall semester officially beg...
08/24/2026

We welcomed our graduate and undergraduate students at orientation last week, and today the Fall semester officially began. Wishing our faculty, staff, and students a successful, productive, and rewarding semester ahead!

We hosted the 2026 Midwest Extension Farm Management and Outlook Conference on August 12-14 at the Gatton Student Center...
08/17/2026

We hosted the 2026 Midwest Extension Farm Management and Outlook Conference on August 12-14 at the Gatton Student Center in Lexington.
Coordinated by Dr. Grant Gardner, the conference brought together Extension economists from more than a dozen land-grant universities, along with speakers from USDA and the Livestock Marketing Information Center.
Over three days, attendees explored topics critical to agricultural producers, including the macroeconomic and farm financial outlook, trade, farm policy, land values, input costs, labor markets, and the outlook for grain and livestock sectors. Lightning talks highlighted innovative Extension programming from across the region, and participants had the opportunity to experience one of Kentucky's iconic destinations, Keeneland.
Thank you to everyone who traveled to Lexington, shared their expertise, and contributed to meaningful discussions that support agriculture and rural communities across the country.

Address

400 Charles E Barnhart Bldg
Lexington, KY
40546

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(859) 257-5762

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics:

Shortcuts

Share