WinField United introduces a new incubator for Ag innovation opens in River Falls

The WinField® United Innovation Center — the new epicenter of WinField United product and technology testing and development — opened today in River Falls, Wisconsin.

The 55,000-square-foot facility replaces the former WinField Product Development Center and Spray Analysis System, which was housed on the same site. Innovation Center staff perform product research on a variety of agricultural products, including adjuvants; herbicides, insecticides and fungicides; plant nutrition and performance solutions; and seed treatments.

“The WinField® United Innovation Center further strengthens our research and development capabilities, and our reputation as a leader in 21st-century agribusiness and innovation,” said Chris Policinski, president and chief executive officer, Land O’Lakes, Inc. “The research and testing performed here will enable more targeted applications of crop protection products, which benefits both applicators and farmers. It also helps move the industry forward to achieve greater sustainability in land, water and air quality.”

A key piece of the Innovation Center is the Infinity Group, a spray application laboratory with some of the most unique capabilities in the world. The Infinity Group uses state-of-the art technology to evaluate the entire application process, including pesticide and adjuvant formulations, tank mixes, nozzle performance, spray characterization, drift and droplet deposition, and plant uptake. Testing is performed in the laboratory, as well as in both controlled and in-field environments. One of the main features of the Infinity Group is a wind tunnel, where many spray application variables are tested using non-invasive diagnostic approaches to precisely measure droplet size and velocity.

“Before we bring products to a farmer’s fields, we make sure they work in our fields first,” said Mike Vande Logt, executive vice president and chief operating officer, WinField United. “All of our products are developed with farmers top-of-mind. We apply the latest best practices in our research approach and have backed our commitment with a significant monetary investment in our new center. Our product development process is a stamp of approval that represents the comprehensive, rigorous, proven method we use to bring products and technologies to market.”

WinField United is thrilled to continue creating innovative, quality products that deliver value to farmers through our commitment to excellence in data, science and technology. The WinField® United Innovation Center is a tangible testament to that mission.

About University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is located in a scenic community just 30 miles from downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. UW-River Falls students are empowered, beginning in their first semester, to participate in hands-on research, global travel and collaborative learning with award-winning and caring faculty.

About the City of River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin, is located 30 miles from the Twin Cities and within the metro’s combined statistical area. The city has a population of 15,000 and is home to UW-River Falls and Chippewa Valley Technical College. It is nationally known for its Kinnickinnic River, a Class 1 trout stream that flows through downtown, as well as its 26 parks and miles of walking and biking tails. A green energy leader, the city is ranked first in Wisconsin and fourth in the nation for green energy participation and, in 2015, was the first municipality in Wisconsin to build a community solar garden. River Falls is headquarters to several international businesses and in 2016 established its third corporate park. In early 2018, the city’s Economic Development Corporation will open the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and business expansions.