UPI Visits UK Facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008
In tandem with hosting an Industry Leadership Forum, the board and management of United Producers, Inc. (UPI) toured the University of Kentucky livestock research facility, located in Woodford County.
The tour was led by Dr. Jimmy Henning, Associate Dean for Extension at UK. On site, the group attended presentations and received updates on specific research projects by Dr. Eric Vanzant, Assistant Professor, Beef Nutrition.
Dennis Bolling, President and CEO, noted the historic link between land grant universities and cooperatives such as UPI. “UK has a great reputation for outstanding research in the beef sector and this farm operation is a wonderful way to showcase their excellent work,” Bolling said.
UPI supports and has close working relationships with many of the agricultural colleges and universities throughout the Midwest. These relationships are important to our members today and for the long term success of the livestock industries in which they participate.
A multi-state livestock marketing and finance cooperative, UPI has three major operations in Kentucky. Weekly auctions are located in Paris, Owenton and Irvington. Other direct cattle services are offered by key staff in the region.
UPI markets approximately three million head of livestock annually, offers loans to farmers for livestock and other operating expenses, in addition to various risk management services. As a cooperative, UPI is owned by more than 45,000 members in several states, including Kentucky, and is governed by a 16-member, farmer board of directors.