The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment offers more than 30 student organizations across a variety of subjects and interests.

Whether you’re interested in Greek life, pre-veterinary medicine, equestrian events, agribusiness, tractor pulling or helping others, you’ll find your place here.

Martin-Gatton CAFE Organizations

This club hosts regular meetings with local agribusiness managers, as well as both in-state and out-of-state trips to agribusiness industries, such as Chaney's Dairy, James B. Beam Distillery, John Deere and more.

This club develops a community among, and presents opportunities for, students interested in fields related to agricultural and medical biotechnology—including industry, research and preprofessional fields.

The team is a community of students focused on the study of agricultural economics and agribusiness. The team's practices have an emphasis on team learning, rapid recall and application in a quiz bowl environment.

The Agricultural Education Society is an organization for students of all majors who are passionate about sharing the story of agriculture, serving affiliated youth organizations and developing as professionals.

This organization was established to bring together those who have achieved academic excellence within the fields of agriculture, food and biological engineering.

The only social and professional fraternity at UK, AGR is focused on promoting leadership and character development, and provides networking opportunities, academic support and social activities.

The BAE Student Branch is an organization for the professional advancement of students enrolled in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering program at the University of Kentucky.

The chapter supports students as they are trained in the profession of landscape architecture. ASLA's mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship.

The AFS GSA opens opportunities for fellow graduates to meet, interact and learn about research within the department; provides opportunities for professional development; organizes social gatherings and more.

This organization serves to not only bring AAPI individuals together, but also to welcome anyone interested in AAPI cultures/issues with events, discussions and more, creating an open, safe space for everyone.

The graduate student organization is focused on building professional and personal relationships among graduate students in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.

This club provides students interested in various aspects of the livestock industry with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills. Activities include community service, social events and more.

The CAFE LLP welcomes first-year students and supports their transition to college life through shared living in Woodland Glen, experienced peer mentoring, off-campus field trips, community service projects and more.

CVF, an extension of the Christian Veterinary Mission, aims to provide unique ministry opportunities to pre-vet and veterinary students, as well as those in veterinary medicine, while connecting through fellowship.

Collegiate 4-H is a great opportunity to become involved in the community by participating in leadership and service opportunities. All are invited, and meetings involve fellowship, workshops and volunteer opportunities.

Collegiate Cattlemen's focuses on livestock showing, livestock judging and beef and agriculture advocacy to give students hands-on experience and allow them to compete and network with others in the industry.

This organization develops the leadership skills and abilities of its members, preparing them for future leadership roles in Farm Bureau, other agricultural organizations, their communities and state.

The Dairy Club provides students with an interest in the dairy industry opportunities to interact with individuals in the field. It is open to all majors, and you do not have to have a dairy background to join.

This dynamic community for students in the DWBS certificate program who are passionate about the art and science of fermentation, distillation and beverage production serves as a hub for networking and learning.

The FNR GSA is comprised of Forestry and Natural Resources grad students with the goal of enhancing professional, social and personal development. It facilitates social, philanthropic and networking events.

Futsal Club is a fun, welcoming environment for all people, whether they are looking for a unique, new sport to try or if they are trying to improve their foot skills for futbol.

This club aims to enhance the experience and effectiveness of grad students in the Department of Entomology, providing opportunities for outreach and interaction between students, staff, faculty and the public.

The club educates and exposes members to the horse racing industry in Lexington. Through educational meetings, guest speakers and social events, it creates memorable experiences, inspiring passion for horses.

Hospitality Haven is all about hospitality majors forging close-knit bonds while indulging in a shared love for food. The best conversations happen over a meal, and this group explores the culinary wonders of Lexington.

The IPSS GSA, for grad students in the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences program, strives to prepare students for life after grad school through professional development events, such as industry tours, and socials.

4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit based out of Ohio that breeds, trains and places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. Our members are volunteer trainers, with the main job of socializing the dogs.

ACE aims to foster meaningful connections that empower all members to engage fully in their learning, teaching and research, contributing to our community’s collective growth and well-being.

The Center for Student Success is dedicated to serving students by contributing to their academic success, health and wellness, and career goals with special programming, advising and safe spaces.

MANRRS is a professional development organization that fosters academic and professional development in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. It is part of a national society that welcomes all.

This club aims to be a space of learning and fun for fungal enthusiasts both on campus and in the Lexington community. We inoculate logs with spores, forage in the field, hear guest lectures and more.

This club provides opportunities for others to learn about and engage in natural resources and environmental science through student educational, social, volunteer and professional development opportunities and more.

The purpose of the Pre-Vet Club is to serve and develop the future leaders of veterinary medicine, to provide an atmosphere of social enrichment, and to expand knowledge and experience in the veterinary field.

The team's mission is to promote and develop the sport of rodeo at UK, providing students with the opportunity to further pursue this sport educationally and competitively at the intercollegiate level.

Sigma Alpha is a professional, national sorority that promotes its members in all facets of agriculture. It strives for achievement in scholarship, leadership and service, and to further women pursuing ag careers.

This club is largely a departmental association but is open to any interested students. It aims to advance the science, technology, education and practice of professional forestry, promote fellowship and more.

This group connects students from different fields to promote the One Health concept that humans, animals and the environment are linked, and we must work across disciplines to obtain a healthy, sustainable planet.

This on-campus student service organization provides a sustainable approach to reducing food waste, while also providing healthy meals to those struggling with food insecurity on campus and in the community.

This group of students and faculty work together to further community interest and education in horticulture. Members have a wide array of plant experience, from experts to notorious succulent killers.

This is a student-led competitive riding team that provides members with the opportunity to grow their horsemanship, develop show skills and build lasting friendships. Open to all students, the team welcomes all levels.

This team is dedicated to improving the skill and knowledge for the sport of polo in a fun and social environment. The student-run group promotes commitment and responsibility, with no limits to who can play.

The Undergraduate Science Journal Club hosts educational events, volunteer opportunities and more.

Waggin' N Walkin' is a volunteer organization that partners with the Lexington Humane Society.

Given just the engine and tires, this engineering design team designs and builds a 1/4 scale pulling tractor to compete with at the annual ASABE International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition.

This student-run organization strives to raise, train and educate the public about service dogs. Events are open to all, but to become an active member, students will go through a training course and an evaluation.

Organization Spotlight

A student with plants in Horticulture Club

Horticulture Club

The Horticulture Club is a group of students and faculty members who work together to further community interest and education in horticulture.

Horticulture Club members frequently travel to places like the Netherlands, Hawaii and the Canary Islands. Students can earn financial credit toward trips through volunteering and from the Horticulture Club's native plant sales. Horticultural Science student and Horticulture Club officer Katie Taliaferro attended the International Plant Propagator's Society Eastern Region conference in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2023.

Horticulture Club is probably one of the best resources that UK offers for people in horticulture. It has been really important because it’s a really nice community where people enjoy things that I enjoy. It brings a different kind of life into it, which the class will not give you.

— Katie Taliaferro, Horticulture Club officer

UK Organizations

UK has more than 500 clubs, from sports and spiritual groups to cultural and academic organizations. And they aren't just for undergrads—we have groups for master's and Ph.D. students too.

Student Events

Organizations in the Martin-Gatton CAFE and across the university host a variety of events to engage our students. Check out our upcoming events and find one that interests you.

Questions?

Our Involvement Advisors are students who have navigated the process of getting involved on campus. They’ll learn about your interests and connect you with opportunities.