By Andi Anderson
Nutrien Ag Solutions has opened a new facility at its Innovation Farm in Champaign, Illinois, as part of its goal to advance research and technology in farming across North America.
The building serves as the main space for the farm’s 16-person agronomy team, helping them carry out important work in agronomic research and on-farm testing.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on March 20, welcoming employees, growers, state officials, and community members. Since moving in last November, the team has hosted 18 events, including customer meetings, team sessions, and training workshops.
The new facility is built to speed up the use of new products, practices, and technologies across the Nutrien network. It focuses on generating real-world insights from trials and helping farmers make confident decisions for their fields.
Thaddeus Bates, senior manager of applied agronomy, says, “Many people have supported and worked hard to get the Champaign Innovation Farm to where it is today.” He emphasizes that people are the most important part of the farm’s success.
Nutrien bought the 282-acre farm in 2019. Over the years, the farm has become a research hub, focusing on soil health, crop trials, and learning programs. It even supported an award-winning FFA student project.
Visitors at the ribbon-cutting toured areas that showed off drone use, weather data tools, and RTK-enabled machines. These technologies help farmers apply precision agronomy methods.
The Champaign site is one of four in Nutrien’s Innovation Farm Network. Others are located in California, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Together, they offer research that reflects real farm conditions.
Paul Bonnett, senior director at Nutrien Agronomy, says the goal is to help farmers with full-acre solutions that are efficient, repeatable, and practical across North America.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Illinois, Business