CTDG is celebrating the momentous groundbreaking of the new $65.9 million Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) at the University of Kentucky (UK) on May 23, 2023. The mission of the lab is to support forage-based livestock enterprises within the commonwealth which is the eighth largest beef producer in the United States. The FAPRL aims to improve sustainability among pasture-based operations that raise cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. The beef, equine and small ruminant industries have two important features in common: 1) They depend on forage and 2) they are industries made up of small, often family-owned, businesses. Although they are often small businesses, these forage-dependent industries are both collectively economically critical and well-organized.

The new FAPRU building will encompass approximately 52,600 total square feet of office, supporting a research laboratory space, as well as a collaborative area, office spaces, headhouse and eight-bay greenhouses. It will be staffed by ARS scientists and university researchers, along with laboratory technicians and administrative personnel. We are honored to work on this project with Perkins + Will to provide Telecommunications Cabling, Audiovisual, and Access Control/Video Surveillance Design Services.