Grain Crops
Research on grain crop production was initiated in the first year of the West Kentucky Sub-experiment Station. Agronomy experts focused on soil fertility improvements and comparing yields of corn, wheat and oats using soil amendments and crop rotation. Soybeans were also planted but were grown for livestock forage. It was not until 1958 that soybeans were grown and tested for seed yields.
Attention turned to no-till crop management in the late 1960s and continues today. Although the goal of no-till was to reduce soil erosion, UKREC research found that over time, it also reduced soil compaction while increasing moisture and organic matter. Long-term studies have also shown that no-till systems could achieve similar or greater yields on corn, soybeans and wheat than tilled systems with proper management adjustments.
Due to decades of farmer collaboration and research – including variety trials, cover crops, integrated pest management and the development of a corn-wheat-soybean rotation, Kentucky crop producers were ahead of their time, before the terms “sustainable” and “regenerative” became farming buzzwords.
The work at UKREC led to the vision and creation of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence, which helps Kentucky farmers feed the world sustainably, protect the environment, expand the Kentucky economy and pass their farms to the next generation.
Latest Research and News
Published on Apr. 30, 2025
Once categorized as solely a perennial problem in wheat, Italian ryegrass has increasingly become problematic in a
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 25, 2025
UKREC has a long history of supporting Kentucky’s wheat industry since its founding in 1925. Wheat yield trials were conducted within the first few years, and measuring yields got significantly easier when the station purchased its first threshing machine in 1927. Nitrogen fertilization in wheat began in 1943.
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 22, 2025
The University of Kentucky’s experiment station in Princeton celebrates its global impact on sustainable agriculture and the Kentucky farmers who drive and adopt these practices on Earth Day.
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 22, 2025
The University of Kentucky’s experiment station in Princeton celebrates its global impact on sustainable agriculture and the Kentucky farmers who drive and adopt these practices on Earth Day.
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 21, 2025
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 21, 2025
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 14, 2025
Principle Investigator: Kiersten Wise National Research Service/National Institute of Food and Agriculture 7/06/2022 to 9/30/2026
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 14, 2025
Principle Investigator: Raul Villanueva National Research Service/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 14, 2025
Principle Investigator: Carl Bradley National Research Service/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 14, 2025
Principle Investigator: Raul Villanueva National Research Service/National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Read ItemPublished on Apr. 1, 2025
By Susan Baniak and Jennifer Elwell, UK Marketing and Agriculture Communications
Read ItemGrain Crops Resource Hub
The latest articles and publications from the University of Kentucky Grain Crops group.
ExploreGrain and Forage Center of Excellence
A primary goal of the Grain & Forage Center of Excellence is to help Kentucky farmers feed the world sustainably, protect the environment, expand the Kentucky economy and pass their farms to the next generation.
Learn MoreWeed Management in Field Crops
Events, articles and weed control recommendations by crop.
Learn MoreSoil Science Group
Learn more about soil erosion control, soil management and land reclamation, nutrient management. soil testing and more.
Learn MoreWheat Science Group
The Wheat Science Group is a cross-disciplinary group of University of Kentucky experts working to increase the production and profitability of Kentucky's wheat growers.
Learn More