In the world of row-crop farming, a great-yielding seed product is the result of dozens of efforts in engineering and data. To ensure those victories keep coming, Bayer’s Crop Science division and Iowa State University (ISU) announce they have opened the doors to their new Seed Production Innovation (SPI) Innovation Center.
Located in heart of Ames at the ISU Research Park campus, the tactical hub is designed to help Bayer make seed production more efficient, more precise and more reliable for U.S. farmers, the partners say.
By placing Bayer’s innovation teams side-by-side with ISU faculty and students, the company anticipates shortening the distance between a “good idea” and a field-ready solution.
“Its location allows us to work side-by-side with Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab,” says Amanuel Ghebretinsae, Bayer’s head of global innovations for seed production, in a press release. “We are accelerating the development of practical solutions that strengthen our seed production operations and support our farmer partners.”
What This Means For Your Farm
While the research and development will happen in Ames, the impact is designed to be felt at the farm gate. The partnership will focus on three key pillars, according to Bayer:
1. Maximizing Seed Quality: Using the latest in precision agriculture and automation to ensure the Bayer-branded seed in your shed meets the highest possible standards.
2. Digital Ag Advancements: By collaborating with ISU’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, the center will push the envelope on data analytics and automation, aiming to take the guesswork out of seed production.
3. A Workforce Pipeline: The center serves as a training ground for students. For farmers, this means the next generation of agronomists and tech reps will hit the field with hands-on experience in some of the ag industry’s most advanced technology.
A Hub For Farmer Education
The facility is also set to become a destination for corn and soybean growers. Plans for the space include innovation workshops and producer education sessions, focusing on scientific and engineering solutions that provide “value-add” to the farm.
“Bayer’s investment underscores the Research Park’s mission to connect leading companies with Iowa State’s research strengths and talent pipeline,” says Rick Sanders, president of the ISU Research Park, in a press release. “Bayer’s presence enhances our innovation ecosystem and creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration with faculty, startups and students, particularly in digital and data enabled agriculture.”
