Through a unique collaboration with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the University of Kentucky is launching an innovative new forage-animal research initiative. The program will discover new technologies to enhance the health and performance of grazing animals, with the result being more dollars for Kentucky farmers.

The program has already brought quick results in finding the likely cause of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS), and its focus on grazing animals and forages means a wide range of benefits to agriculture.

“With seven million acres of forage crops, this state’s agricultural economy has incredible potential for growth, and this new program is going to have a substantial impact on that,” said U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who was instrumental in securing $1.4 million in funding for the current USDA budget for this initiative.

“A huge part of UK’s mission is to conduct research that makes a real difference in people’s lives, and this new forage-animal initiative is going to have a direct impact on not only farmers but the entire state economy,” said Lee T. Todd, Jr., UK president. “Thanks to Sen. McConnell over $11 million has been directed to the University for agriculture in the last three years