History of WKU's Farm
Western Kentucky University's Agriculture Research and Education Center (often referred to as simply The Farm) serves as the laboratory for students to apply classroom principles utilizing hands-on learning experiences and conduct applied research in agriculture and related fields. The Farm sits on 814 acres and is located within five miles of WKU's Main Campus.
1909
146 acres a purchased with the intention of making 100 of those acres the outdoor laboratory
1912
125 acres (with a book value of $30,000) are used for farming. Crops grown include strawberries, wheat, corn, cowpeas, hay, and potatoes
1922
Seven purebred dairy cows are purchased
1924
The WKU Board of Regents approves the construction of the much-needed poultry houses and hog nurseries
1927
Miller Farm (58 acres) is purchased for $8,700
1934
After leasing the 560-acre Covington Farm, the land was purchased at $65/acre
1945
The construction of a new dairy barn is completed in February
1963
The Farm Pavilion, named after Charles L. Taylor (who served the University for 35 years, 16 of those as Head of the Department of Agriculture and Food Science) is built
1972
The agriculture mechanization shop is finished near the center of The Farm
1977
Construction begins on the agricultural exposition center, named after Dr. Leonard D. Brown (Department Head from 1970-1982)
1983
Taylor Center receives a renovation and expansion for an agriculture mechanization laboratory
1984
The horse barn is built
1994
The WKU Golf Course is established
2003
A new agronomy building is a built
2008
The vineyard is established
2009
The cheese facility begins renovations
2012
WKU purchases the Bennett Farm (25 acres) which makes the total acreage at the farm 814
2016
A third grain bin is added
2017
The Hilltopper Creamery is opened
2017
The Great American Eclipse (a solar eclipse for which Bowling Green experiences 100% totality) was experienced and celebrated by may members of the community and region
2018
The construction of an additional horse barn is completed
2019
Renovations begin at the Livestock Teaching Pavilion and Taylor Center is renovated to open the WKU Farm Market
2021
The SmartHolstein Lab is officially launched
2022
Two greenhouses are donated and added to the WKU Farm to assist with vegetable production
2022
The Farm-to-Campus program is officially launched
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1906 College Heights Blvd. #41066 |
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