William O. Peterson
Bio
Billy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1970, and a Master’s of Science in Ag Engineering in 1971, also from U.K. He commenced a PhD at Cornell University in New York in 1972, focusing on the microbiology of denitrification in animal manures, before returning to farming in 1974. After leaving the academic life, Billy joined his father to re-invent Peterson Farms. During the 1974 through 1986 timeframe, with the help of other family members, what was once primarily a dairy operation was transformed into an expanded and diversified grain operation focused on corn, wheat and soybeans.
From 1986 through 2009, Billy oversaw all farmlands, forests and facilities for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He spent weekends and vacations at Peterson Farms throughout his tenure at the university. In his capacity as Director of Management Operations at U.K., Billy managed 20,000+ acres, 500+ buildings, 600+ vehicles, and 125+ employees.
Returning full-time to Peterson Farms in 2009, Billy focused on developing croplands, introducing and practicing a strong conservation ethic, effectively employing new technologies, and achieving strong productivity and earnings. When Billy and his partners were approached by the Stanley Brothers in 2015 to grow hemp for Charlotte’s Web, Billy took the lead on this new operation, which is now in its fifth year of operation. In 2019, he established Kentucky Heritage Hemp, where he designed, built and launched an oil extraction lab.
Billy is the eldest of eight children of Bill and Rose Mary Peterson, the original founders of Peterson Farms; he is the eldest of more than 50 grandchildren of John C. Peterson, a prominent Kentucky farmer from the 1930’s through the 70’s. Two of Billy’s three children are now partners in Peterson Farms.
An avid reader, Billy enjoys learning. He continuously refreshes his knowledge of farming by taking courses, attending industry conferences, seeking out global thought leaders, and traveling both domestically and internationally.