By Jamie Martin
Nutrien Ag Solutions has launched a new chapter at its Innovation Farm in Champaign, Illinois, with the opening of a brand-new facility designed to support agricultural research and on-farm innovation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility took place on March 20th.
This on-site facility now houses a 16-member team that focuses on advancing agronomic solutions. The space will be used for team meetings, grower trainings, and customer engagement events. Since January, the team has already hosted 18 events, demonstrating its role as a hub of agricultural learning.
While hosting events is a key function, the facility’s primary goal is to speed up the adoption of new technologies and practices among growers. It serves as a platform to showcase full-acre solutions, integrating equipment, products, technology, and farming practices to build trust and provide clear recommendations for Nutrien’s agronomists and crop consultants.
“Our Innovation Farm Network runs off five essential components: equipment, technology, products, practices, and people. In my opinion, people are the most important component out of the list,” says Thaddeus Bates, Senior Manager, Applied Agronomy.
Nutrien acquired the 282-acre farm in 2019 and has transformed it over six years into a model for innovation. It also hosted a national award-winning FFA project led by student ambassador Avery Watson.
During the ceremony, attendees toured the farm and viewed technology demonstrations, including drone systems and RTK precision machinery. The event highlighted Nutrien’s goal to make agricultural innovation relatable and useful for everyday farmers.
This facility joins three other Innovation Farms in Selma, California; Winterville, Mississippi; and Owensboro, Kentucky, all working to deliver effective farming solutions across North America.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: National