Nutrien Ag Solutions has unveiled a new facility at its Innovation Farm in Champaign, Illinois, marking a significant step in the company's commitment to large-scale agricultural research and technology adoption.
The facility, which opened in November, serves as a base for a 16-person team specializing in differentiated agronomic capabilities. It has already hosted 18 events since January, including trainings, team meetings, and customer engagements.
Thaddeus Bates, Senior Manager of Applied Agronomy, emphasized the importance of the human element in the Innovation Farm Network. "Our Innovation Farm Network runs off five essential components: equipment, technology, products, practices, and people. In my opinion, people are the most important component," Bates said.
The 282-acre farmland, purchased by Nutrien in 2019, has been developed into a research center focused on integrating products, practices, and technology to create confidence in recommendations for agronomists and crop consultants across North America.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 20 marked the official opening, attended by Nutrien Ag Solutions employees, local growers, supplier representatives, state legislators, and community members. The event showcased various farm technologies, including drones and RTK precision-enabled machinery used in trials.
The facility aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, demonstrating whole acre solutions and accelerating the adoption of new agricultural technologies for growers and retail locations.
