Published March, 2011

Hometown: Nicholasville, Ky

Degrees: B.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, 1999

M.S., Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, 2003

When it comes to getting an updated economic forecast for Kentucky's equine industry or understanding the economic tools horse owners have at their disposal, one of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture's most trusted resources is Kenny Burdine, MS, a graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

Burdine is one of the key players in the group of extension economists, whose role is to help farmers reduce economic risk by providing the tools to make wise marketing and investment decisions.

Burdine currently serves as an extension marketing specialist covering beef cattle, equine, dairy, and forages. In this role he provides a market outlook and forecasting for beef, dairy, and equine industries; price risk management education for beef and dairy; and he teaches a course in livestock and meat marketing.

Kentucky horse owners might have heard Burdine speak at UK equine field day events over the past several years, where he has provided valuable economic information, including how to evaluate the cost of hay in feeding programs.

Burdine, who hails from Nicholasville, Ky., earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from UK and is currently working on his PhD dissertation, which is related to factors affecting feeder cattle prices with an emphasis on Kentucky cattle. Upon completion of his PhD, Burdine plans to continue as extension marketing specialist within the department.

When asked why he chose to pursue his graduate degree in economics, he said, "I find economics both challenging and rewarding. I really like having the opportunity to apply economics to agriculture in an extension setting."

Holly Wiemers, MS, is communications director for UK's Equine Initiative.