Tom Keene
Bio
Bio for Thomas C. Keene Tom graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Production Agriculture. Upon graduation, Tom worked on both Spendthrift and North Ridge Farm for ten years as Agricultural Manager. During that period, he managed a collective 5000 acres of central Kentucky horse pasture. He was also instrumental in developing and serving as President of the Central Kentucky Equine Maintenance Managers Association. Tom then worked for Creech, Inc. as a Hay Broker and Logistics Manager. Over that span he traveled extensively throughout the United States sourcing and procuring inventories of hay and straw to be transported nationally and internationally. From 2003 – 2004, he was elected President of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Tom has been a Forage Agronomist at the University of Kentucky since his arrival in 2005. His primary responsibilities include conducting statewide meetings on forages and forage production while working with farmers and other universities to conduct research trials around the state. His primary focus has been on hay, pasture and biomass production. Since 2012, Tom has spent time working in RCARS as part of a research project evaluating the effectiveness of mountain top grazing on cattle. During his time at UK, Tom received his Master’s Degree in Plant and Soil Sciences. From 2013 – 2014, he served as President of the National Forage Testing Association. In May of 2016, Tom accepted a position as Extension Specialist in Industrial Hemp Production with the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture Food and Environment. He is now working with industrial hemp focusing on sustainable agronomic practices and its many opportunities for Kentucky farmers.
