University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics

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.

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.

Dr. Snell moderated an expert panel, 'Collaborating Across Ag for Global Growth,' at the Midwest Agricultural Export Sum...
08/12/2026

Dr. Snell moderated an expert panel, 'Collaborating Across Ag for Global Growth,' at the Midwest Agricultural Export Summit organized by South Dakota Trade. Panelists included the Honorable Krysta Harden, President & CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council; Mr. Jim Sutter, President & CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council; Ms. Amy France, Chair of the National Sorghum Producers; Dr. Dusty Oedekoven, Chief Veterinarian of the National Pork Board; and Mr. Dan Halstrom, President & CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. They shared insights on how collaboration across agricultural sectors strengthens U.S. competitiveness abroad, highlighting new export opportunities, common challenges in reaching global markets, and the importance of industry collaboration for long-term growth.

Please join us in congratulating Babatunde Fati for successfully defending his M.S. thesis titled “Manufacturer Response...
08/10/2026

Please join us in congratulating Babatunde Fati for successfully defending his M.S. thesis titled “Manufacturer Responses to Mandatory Warning Labels: Evidence From Israel's Front-Of-Package Nutrition Policy.” His thesis committee members are Dr. Shuoli Zhao (chair), Dr. Yoko Kusunose and Dr. Steve Buck.

Please join us in congratulating Raj Chaudhary for successfully defending his M.S. thesis titled “Determinants of Price ...
08/07/2026

Please join us in congratulating Raj Chaudhary for successfully defending his M.S. thesis titled “Determinants of Price in Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcoholic Beverages in the US: A Hedonic Analysis.” His thesis committee members are Dr. Tyler Mark (chair), Dr. Yuqing Zheng, Dr. Grant Gardner, and Dr. Buddhika Patalee.

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

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