WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Richardson International Limited is investing $15 million to create a brand new research farm in Saskatchewan to further Canadian agriculture.
Bennett Farm, a 444-acre demonstration farm and training centre conveniently located in Richardson, Saskatchewan 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 creation of Bennett Farm reinforces Richardson's commitment to Canadian agriculture. 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 and growing our industry for the future," 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 here 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 initial landscaping. The first crop was planted this spring and Bennett Farm will host tours throughout the growing season. Phase Two 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."
Richardson is proud to be truly invested in Canadian agriculture. Recognized as a global leader in agriculture and food processing, Richardson is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds and a vertically-integrated processor and manufacturer of oats and canola-based products. One of Canada's Best Managed Companies, Richardson is headquartered in Winnipeg and has over 2,500 employees across Canada and the U.S.