Richardson is proud to be truly invested in Canadian agriculture. To further our commitment to the ag industry and continue to grow for the future, we are excited to announce the creation of Bennett Farm, a brand new research and demonstration farm in Saskatchewan.
Richardson is investing $15 million to establish Bennett Farm, a 444-acre demonstration farm and training centre conveniently located in Richardson, Saskatchewan just minutes outside of Regina. The new farm will allow us to put the latest seed varieties, crop input products and equipment to the test in real growing conditions working with our valued suppliers, partners and customers.
Since 1997, Richardson has operated Kelburn Farm, a 500-acre research farm and crop development centre just south of Winnipeg in the Red River Valley. Bennett Farm will be a sister farm to Kelburn and will allow Richardson to gather more accurate information on how crops and products perform in different growing environments.
“At Richardson, we are committed to furthering Canadian agriculture through research and development,” says Curt Vossen, President and CEO of Richardson. “While Kelburn Farm is a valuable resource for agriculture in Manitoba, we recognize that results might not be the same in other geographies. We are excited to establish Bennett Farm in Saskatchewan, which is the heart of the growing region and our Richardson Pioneer network.”
Bennett Farm will be a multi-year project built in three phases. Initial site work began last fall and Phase One is almost complete with the addition of a machine shop, shed, storage bins and landscaping. The first crop was planted this spring and Bennett Farm will host tours throughout the growing season.
Phase Two of the project will begin in 2017 with the construction of a new Regional Office for Richardson Pioneer. In 2018, Phase Three will add a large training and events centre, which will provide space for meetings and events for Richardson and its suppliers and partners.
“Bennett Farm will be much more than a research facility. We are committed to making a significant investment in the province of Saskatchewan and creating a prominent education and training centre for students of all ages,” says Vossen.
“Bennett Farm will be unique to Saskatchewan as it will offer our customers, employees, partners and the community the opportunity to see agriculture up close and learn more about the importance of our industry for generations to come.”
Bennett Farm was named after the Bennett family, who owned the land since the 1940’s and continue to farm across the highway from the new research farm. Murray Bennett spoke at Richardson’s announcement event on June 22 and said he feels “mostly just pride” about the new Bennett Farm.
“This opportunity was the right thing to do. It’s right for agriculture,” said Murray Bennett, who works for Farm Credit Canada, but still farms across the highway from the research farm. “And it’s important that we educate people and we feed people.”
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