University of Kentucky Opens Meats and Foods Industry Advancement Center to Boost State Agriculture
The University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) has officially opened its Meats and Foods Industry Advancement Center. Located at the C. Oran Little Research Center in Woodford County, the nearly 30,000-square-foot facility integrates research, teaching, Extension services, and industry support. Its primary goal is to advance meat science, food safety, workforce development, and value-added production within Kentucky's agricultural sector. The center features a 56-seat classroom directly connected to a processing area, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. Specialized spaces are dedicated to developing products like hams and sausages, and a sensory laboratory will facilitate consumer response evaluation for new products. An on-site market will sell meat products developed at the center and other Kentucky agricultural goods. The facility will operate under U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection for various livestock, enabling businesses to ...