Industry Donation to Support Turfgrass Science Program at UK

The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) made a $26,850 donation to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Department of Plant & Soil Sciences in support of the turfgrass science program.

With continued growth of the green industry in Kentucky, we are committed to supporting the turfgrass professionals across the state,” said Dr. Rebecca McCulley, Chair, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. “This donation and our collaboration in hosting the Short Course are examples of the strong, mutually beneficial relationship between UK and our industry partners.”

The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) made this donation to support Extension programs that provide crucial technical assistance to green industry businesses across Kentucky including golf courses, sports turf, and landscape management companies.

The Kentucky green industry has a market value of over $9 Billion and employs more than 26,000 Kentuckians in urban and rural areas,” Dr. Cindy Finneseth, Executive Director of KHC states. “Our industry relies heavily on the science-based, environmentally sound recommendations from Extension professionals that result in high-quality, safe, and sustainable residential areas and playing surfaces for sports.”

The UK Turfgrass Science program and KHC co-host the annual Kentucky Turf & Landscape Management Short Course that brings together industry professionals for comprehensive turfgrass and landscape management education. At the 2023 Short Course, the event planning team members were pleased to recognize Mrs. Linda Williams for her 45 years of service to the industry. She has been a key member of the planning team hosting the important industry event.

Kenneth Clayton, UK Turfgrass Extension Associate said, “Working with the Kentucky Horticultural Council provides a great opportunity to reach turfgrass professionals across the state, delivering to them needed continuing education. We look forward to helping turfgrass managers improve their success with this partnership.”

The 2024 Kentucky Turf & Landscape Management Short Course will be February 20-22 at the Hardin County Extension Center in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Check presentation from the Kentucky Horticulture Council to the University of Kentucky Turfgrass Science Program. From left to right: Andy Rideout, Henderson County Extension Service, Beth Wilson, Pulaski County Extension Service, Cindy Finneseth, KHC Executive Director, Kenneth Clayton, Extension Associate, Rebecca McCulley, Department Chair, Plant & Soil Sciences, Jason Vaughn, Powell County Extension Service, and Ray Smith, Extension Professor.