The University of Kentucky has broken ground on a new agriculture research building in Lexington.

The $65.9 million Forage Animal Production Lab will have more than 52,000 square feet of space for offices, laboratories, collaboration space and greenhouses. The research conducted there will focus on improving the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of farms that raise beef cattle, horses, sheep and goats, especially for small- and medium-sized farms.

The building is scheduled to be complete in 2026.

It will be staffed by six scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Services and seven university researchers, as well as laboratory technicians and administrative employees. 

There are about 73,500 farms in Kentucky, more than half of which are beef cattle producers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the lab will produce research that will have widespread impact on agriculture.