January 3, 2023. As one of the nation’s first land grant institutions, Iowa State University has embraced the land-grant mission of access, practical education and shared knowledge for more than 150 years. It brings that mission to modern agriculture with a unique approach to public-private partnerships, where some of the leading names in modern agriculture work with world-class faculty, researchers and students to solve some of the most pressing challenges for our planet and growing global population.
One of the university’s most prominent examples of a successful collaboration is its 25-year relationship with industry leader Deere & Company, which brings its own 186-year legacy of serving farmers around the world. The multi-dimensional partnership includes ongoing research collaborations and interactions with ISU faculty members and a significant number of ISU interns and full-time employees hired by Deere each year. Deere also participates in college and department advisory councils.
“Through public-private partnerships, Iowa State University brings to bear the talents of our world-renowned faculty and their cutting-edge research and innovation to help partners, like Deere & Company, grow, improve, add value and strengthen their position in the marketplace,” said Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University.
Deere has also had a significant physical presence at the Iowa State University Research Park since 2018 when it opened a technology innovation center. It also opened a 33,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art research facility designed for testing and innovating on Deere’s new sprayer technologies there in 2019.
“Our collaborations with universities, like Iowa State University, allow us to bring together some of the brightest minds in the industry to gather diverse perspectives to deliver solutions that meet the challenges our customers are facing today, and in the future, in the most sustainable way possible,” said Cory Reed, President of John Deere’s Ag and Turf Division.