By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Science Group has honored Hardin County farmer Richard Preston with the 2025 UK Grain Crops Science Service Award, recognizing his significant contributions to grain crops research.
Presented at the UK Winter Wheat Meeting, this award celebrates individuals who bolster the university's research efforts.
Richard Preston's decades-long collaboration with the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has driven advancements in crop management.
From hosting cover crop trials to supporting advanced agronomic studies, his work has benefited producers across Kentucky.
Preston, who has partnered with UK researchers for nearly 50 years, expressed humility and honor upon receiving the award.
“It’s funny to receive a service award when I’ve benefited so much from UK,” Preston said. “I’ve been working with them for a long time, and every year presents new challenges new diseases, new regulations and I look forward to collaborating with the university’s researchers to find answers.”
A trained physicist turned farmer, Preston has applied his scientific curiosity to agricultural innovations. Preston has worked with numerous UK specialists, including precision agriculture pioneers, soil scientists, entomologists, and agronomists, to advance on-farm research.
"I’ve always been fascinated by how things work," Preston added. "Farming allows me to explore scientific questions in a hands-on setting."
Preston peers praise his dedication to research and conservation. "Richard has led the research committee in Kentucky corn for six years, and he’s been a valued co-author on ag economics papers focusing on crop insurance," said Chad Lee, extension professor.
"He’s a leader in implementing and testing precision agriculture, cover crops and other practices, which have immediate benefits for Kentucky’s grain growers."
Hanna Poffenbarger, an associate professor, highlighted Preston's expertise and willingness to help others. "Richard’s curiosity, practicality, commitment to conservation, and expert knowledge of the research process drive grain crops research that is both highly innovative and applicable for Kentucky farmers," Poffenbarger said. "Working on research with him is a lot of fun because he’s so passionate about learning and willing to find ways to make projects work."
Established in 2017, the UK Grain Crops Science Service Award honors those who contribute time, land, and expertise to develop best practices in Kentucky agriculture.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business, General