The University of Kentucky joins the Agriculture Council of America in celebrating National Ag Day on March 18.  While this day draws special attention to farmers and their harvests, UK has honored its rich agricultural heritage every day since 1865. That’s when the Kentucky General Assembly established the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, the precursor to the university known today.

“Together We Grow” is the 2025 theme for Ag Day, resonating with the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s mission of improving lives across the Commonwealth through teaching, research and extension.

According to Dean Laura Stephenson, Martin-Gatton CAFE supports agriculture every day by growing the next generation of the workforce on its campus—delivering results and knowledge to Kentucky’s farmers through several units, research stations and 120 county Cooperative Extension Service offices.

"Agriculture is more than an industry – it’s a community that thrives on innovation and collaboration,” said Stephenson. “At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, we are growing together by equipping students with the knowledge and experiences to shape the future while ensuring our research and extension efforts support Kentucky’s producers and communities every day."

To show support for its agricultural roots and the communities its personnel serve, the college created a video love letter to Kentucky agriculture. The production showcases the Commonwealth’s leading commodities, livestock and signature industries and how UK advances agriculture through continuous research, education and outreach.

"This video is a tribute to the deep roots and bright future of Kentucky agriculture,” said Stephenson. “We are excited to bring our community together through our Ag Week events that showcase our commitment to Kentucky’s farmers.”

Several agriculture-related events are planned for March 24-28 for students returning from spring break. The events, with support from Ag Credit, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Beef Council and Kentucky Farm Bureau, include:

Tuesday, March 25

• Find New Opportunities: Lunch and learn with the Office of Undergraduate Research, AgNorth N24F, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

• Alumni Speaker Series: Edwin Carter, former CPS Global Supply Chain Director (VP Level) at The Coca-Cola Company, will speak on “Career Management – How to Manage the Career You Hope to Have,” Cameron Williams Lecture Hall, 1 – 2 p.m.

• Graduate Preview Night: Joint UK/UT Graduate Student Recruitment Event. Learn about facilities, graduate student organizations, resources, and applications. Seay Auditorium & Lobby, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26

• Collegiate Farm Bureau is hosting a movie night, featuring “A World Without Cows.” Kentucky Proud snacks will be provided along with a chance to grab a free t-shirt. Seay Auditorium, 6 – 8 p.m.

Friday, March 28 

• Extension/Service Day: Service opportunities at The Arboretum, Campus Kitchen, Water Week and Big Blue Pantry. Various times. 

• Trivia Night: Grab a friend and join students, faculty, staff and alumni for a fun evening and test your ag knowledge. Hosted by Farm Credit Mid-America. Mirror Twin Brewing, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Learn more and get involved at http://go.uky.edu/AgWeek.

Follow Martin-Gatton CAFE on social media to learn more about how UK is improving lives: UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment on Facebook; @ukagriculture on Instagram; @UKAgriculture on X (formerly known as Twitter); University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment on LinkedIn; and @UKYAgriculture on YouTube.   

### 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.