On-Farm Technology

Paducah was selected based on the wide breadth of agriculture, a rapidly-expanding STEM related workforce, and the incredibly supportive nature of the community.

The University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is working to uncover the mysterious world of gene silencing in plants. Thanks to this research, scientists may develop more effective ways to improve crop yields, increase resistance to pests and diseases, and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact. 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continually works with farmers across the country in the pursuit of improved water quality and finding ways to reduce plant nutrients and soil entering our nation’s waterways. The NRCS national Edge-of-Field Monitoring program, begun in 2013 and conducted in impaired watersheds across the country, measures best management practices to reduce surface water runoff from agricultural lands.

Farmers are always thinking, and many spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to bring their kids back to the farm or how to make their operation such that there is enough cash flow to support the next generation.  One component of the agriculture industry that is especially appealing to younger farmers is that of precision ag.

With the rise of digital technologies, the attack surface for potential cyber threats has expanded. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in connected farming equipment, data storage systems, and digital supply chains to cause severe damage. This could range from disrupting farming operations and stealing sensitive data to holding an entire supply chain hostage via ransomware attacks.

The agriculture industry, once synonymous with traditional farming techniques and manual labor, has transformed dramatically in the 21st century. Today, it integrates sophisticated scientific methodologies, modern technologies, and innovative practices. The agricultural landscape in Kentucky, known for its rich farming history and diverse agricultural output, has become a fertile ground for budding scientific careers.

In the heart of the Bluegrass State, Kentucky, farmers are experiencing a technological revolution that is transforming their industry. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become indispensable tools in modern agriculture.

A new seed lubricant made from soybeans replaces graphite and talc.

An idea that started with the curiosity of an enterprising south-central Kentucky farmer is showing promise as another crop for Kentucky small grain producers, as well as a reliable source of Kentucky-grown cereal rye for bourbon distillers, bakers and millers.

Nearly 3 million acres in Kentucky and 50 million acres across the United States contain a naturally-occurring soil layer called a fragipan. This cemented, silt loam soil found 20 to 24 inches below the surface stops water movement and root growth, which can reduce crop yields.

Seedless watermelons were invented over 50 years ago, and they have few or no seeds. When we say seeds, we are talking about mature seeds, the black ones. Oftentimes, the white seed coats where a seed did not mature are assumed to be seeds.