New Morrow Plots gate unveiled as historic research site marks 150 years
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign celebrated the completion of a new gate and perimeter fencing at the historic Morrow Plots with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 19, 2026, during Celebrate Food and Ag Day.
Made possible by a gift from Bayer's Crop Science division and income from the John N. Chester Estate Endowment, the sesquicentennial gate was designed and fabricated by Taylor Studios in Rantoul, Illinois. As part of the Morrow Plots’ 150th anniversary, the project replaced the aging hedge that sheltered squirrels and other wildlife with new fencing. The improvements help protect the research plots while increasing their visibility on campus.
"This new gate honors 150 years of agricultural discovery, and bringing it to life was truly a team effort. We are grateful to Bayer and the Chester Estate for their generous support, to Taylor Studios for their craftsmanship, and to the design selection and planning committees, facilities teams, and many others whose dedication helped make this vision a reality,” said Germán Bollero, dean of the College of ACES.
"Bayer is proud to partner with ACES to honor a place that has contributed so much to agricultural discovery," said JD Rossouw, senior vice president and global plant breeding lead for Bayer's Crop Science division. "This investment reflects our shared commitment to scientific innovation and the future of agriculture."
Established in 1876 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the Morrow Plots are the oldest continuous agricultural experiment in the U.S. and the oldest crop rotation study in the world.
“The Morrow Plots have helped demonstrate the importance of crop rotation and soil management in sustaining agricultural productivity,” said Adam Davis, head of the Department of Crop Sciences, which stewards the Morrow Plots. “With 150 years of research to draw from, we can see how agricultural practices influence soil health over time — insights that are increasingly valuable as we work to build more productive and resilient farming systems.”
The anniversary celebrations continue with a limited-edition beer crafted by ACES alumnus Matthew Riggs using corn grown in the historic Morrow Plots, which will be available for purchase this holiday season.
Those looking to commemorate the Morrow Plots' 150th anniversary can also purchase a Morrow Plots snow globe through the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
Learn more about the Morrow Plots and their 150-year legacy at morrow.aces.illinois.edu.