Bayer Paves the Way for Agricultural Research and Innovation at Illinois

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  4. Bayer Paves the Way for Agricultural Research and Innovation at Illinois
Bayer morrow plots

Bayer’s Crop Science Division recently contributed a generous amount to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in support of the revitalization of the Morrow Plots. The Morrow Plots are the oldest experimental agricultural fields in North America and a National Historic Landmark. Bayer’s contribution towards the revitalization of these plots honors the longstanding legacy of agricultural innovation and research that the Morrow Plots represent.  

“We see this project not only as an investment in a historic landmark, but also as a tribute to the scientific progress and partnerships that will carry agriculture forward.” - Masha Trenhaile, Bayer Crop Science Division 

The work towards the revitalization of the Morrow Plots coincides with its 150th anniversary, celebrating the longstanding legacy of innovation that the plots have defined. The revitalization project is a testament to the proud history and vibrant future for Bayer and its Illinois alumni. 

Illinois and Bayer leaders in front of banner for the morrow plots.

Since 2018, Bayer Crop Science has had an innovation center in the University of Illinois Research Park where they use the latest in digital tools and data to drive agricultural innovations. As a part of the Research Park, Bayer offers several internship opportunities in software engineering, data science, agriculture business analytics, and automation engineering. By situating their innovation center in the Research Park, Bayer prioritizes student engagement and research. Bayer sponsored Research Park’s first agtech hackathon where participants came together to tackle prompts created by professional technologists. Bayer had their own prompt for participants which focused on creating evaluation systems to predict the performance of plants in varying environments, helping plant breeders in decision-making.  

Bayer’s involvement and collaboration with Illinois have positioned the university to be a leader in agricultural research and innovation.