Bayer gift launches Morrow Plots revitalization for 150th anniversary
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced a gift from Bayer’s Crop Science division to support the revitalization of the Morrow Plots, the oldest experimental agricultural fields in North America. Established in 1876, the plots have become a national symbol of agricultural innovation and remain a National Historic Landmark. The revitalization project will coincide with their 150th anniversary, with completion timed for sesquicentennial celebrations in 2026.
College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero announced the plans at Celebrate Food and Ag Day on Sept. 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a transformative effort to reimagine this historic site.
“This revitalization honors the extraordinary legacy of innovation that has defined the Morrow Plots for 150 years,” Bollero said. “We are deeply grateful to Bayer for investing in this project and for joining us in ensuring these fields remain a source of discovery and inspiration for generations to come.”
Overgrown shrubs that had surrounded and obscured views of the plots have been removed to make way for a new landscape design by Cliff Garten Studio in collaboration with Site Design Group. A live webcam will be set up to document progress.
“Bayer is honored to support the preservation of the Morrow Plots, which represent a cornerstone of agricultural research and innovation,” said Masha Trenhaile, head of university strategy and outreach at Bayer’s Crop Science division. “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.”
For Bayer and its Illinois alumni, the project underscores both a proud history and a vibrant future.
“The Morrow Plots are more than fields — they’re part of our identity as Illinois graduates and as agricultural innovators,” said Mike Graham, ACES alumnus and head of research and development for Bayer Crop Science. “For me personally, it’s an honor to help ensure this landmark is preserved and reimagined during its 150th year. When I was at ACES, all the doors were open to explore and learn, and I’m proud that Bayer can help provide that same inspiration for future generations.”
The Morrow Plots are stewarded by the Department of Crop Sciences in the College of ACES — under the leadership of department head Adam Davis and Andrew Margenot, associate professor of soil science and director of the Morrow Plots — to ensure the fields remain both a living laboratory for research and a symbol of Illinois’ enduring contributions to agriculture.
The revitalization work will continue throughout the 150th year of the Morrow Plots and be completed in time for the sesquicentennial celebrations in 2026. More details will be shared in the coming months, and the public can sign up for updates about the revitalization project and anniversary events.
To learn more about supporting this legacy and helping shape the next 150 years of agricultural innovation, please contact the College of ACES Office of Advancement at acesadvancement@illinois.edu or 217-333-9355.