Richardson International Limited recently confirmed their investment of $15 million to create a new research farm in Saskatchewan to improve Canadian agricultural operations.
Bennett Farm, a 444-acre demonstration farm and training centre located in Richardson, Sask., outside of Regina, will allow Richardson and its partners to put the latest seed varieties, crop input products and equipment to the test in real growing conditions.
The farm reinforces the company’s commitment to Canadian agriculture, they said.
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 the company to gather more accurate information on how crops and products perform in different growing environments.
“At Richardson, we are committed to further Canadian agriculture through research, development and growing our industry for the future,” said Curt Vossen, Richardson’s president and CEO. “While Kilburn is a valuable resource in Manitoba, we recognize that results might not be the same in other geographies. We are excited to establish Bennett Farm here in Saskatchewan, which is the heart of the growing region and our Richardson Pioneer network.”
Bennett Farm will be built in three phases with the initial site work that began last fall. Phase one, in fact, is almost complete with the addition of a machine shop, shed, storage bins and initial landscaping. The first crop was planted this spring and Bennett employees have hosted tours throughout the growing season.
Phase two will begin in early 2017 with the construction of a new regional office for Richardson Pioneer.
In 2018, the Phase three plan unfolds with a large training and events centre to be built which will provide space for meetings and events for Richardson and its suppliers and partners.
“Bennett Farm will be more than a research facility. We are committed to making a significant investment in the province and creating a prominent education and training centre for students of all ages,” said 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.”
Richardson is a vertically-integrated processor and manufacturer of oats and canola-based products, as well as being recognized as a global leader in agriculture product handling and merchandising of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds. The company boasts of an employee base of about 2,500 across Canada and the U.S. with headquarters in Winnipeg.
