On May 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new research facility, known as the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit, on the University of Kentucky campus.

Upon completion, targeted for 2026, the new FAPRU building will encompass approximately 52,600 total square feet of office, supporting a research laboratory space, as well as a collaborative area, headhouse and eight-bay greenhouses. It will be staffed by six ARS scientists and seven university researchers, along with laboratory technicians and administrative personnel.