A familiar face to many Kentucky grain producers recently was named director of the University of Kentucky Grains Center of Excellence. Chad Lee, UK grain crops extension specialist, began his new role Aug. 1.

“We are pleased to have Chad Lee serve as director of the Grains Center of Excellence at this critical time during the development of the center,” said Rick Bennett, associate dean for research in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. “Dr. Lee provides great leadership in extension on grain crops and will help ensure that the Grains Center represents the interests of stakeholders in the community and across the state.”

The new center was funded in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. The center’s faculty and staff, located primarily at UK’s Research and Education Center in Princeton, study water quality and sustainable methods for intensive agriculture production of grains and forages.

As director, Lee coordinates the center’s research and outreach efforts and develops and expands partnerships with agribusinesses, growers and other stakeholders.

“The biggest enjoyment I get from my job is when a farmer tells me that I’ve helped him improve his or her operation,” Lee said. “The center is just one more way we can continue to serve Kentucky grains and forages producers.”

A native of southern Ohio, Lee’s roots run deep in agriculture. He grew up on a family farm raising grain crops and swine and participated in 4-H, FFA and Farm Bureau youth programs. He received a bachelor’s in agriculture from Berea College, a master’s in agronomy from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a doctorate in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University.

He has been a member of UK’s faculty since 2002, where he has conducted a variety of applied research and outreach programs for grain growers. He has also served on a number of agriculture boards.