Morrow Plots Fence

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) announced a gift from Bayer’s Crop Science division to support the revitalization of the Morrow Plots, the oldest experimental agricultural fields in North America. Established in 1876, the plots have become a national symbol of agricultural innovation and remain a National Historic Landmark. The revitalization project coincides with their 150th anniversary, with completion timed for sesquicentennial celebrations in 2026. From the F&S perspective, the project has involved a series of tasks to remove the old hedgerow and fenceline, and install a more outside viewing-friendly fence and entrance gate.

The showstopper of the project is a new welcome gate, about 20-feet long with art deco style design, near the southeast corner of the plots on Gregory Dr. It was installed by F&S ironworkers, construction-laborers, and operator-engineers on August 31, 2026. The rest of the fencing was installed ahead of a “Pop Up on the Plots” event hosted by the College of ACES on October 1, 2026, allowing the public to step inside the fence line and see the plots up close, while enjoying popcorn.

College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero announced the plans at Celebrate Food and Ag Day on Sept. 13, 2025, marking the beginning of a transformative effort to reimagine this historic site.

“This revitalization honors the extraordinary legacy of innovation that has defined the Morrow Plots for 150 years,” Bollero said. “We are deeply grateful to Bayer for investing in this project and for joining us in ensuring these fields remain a source of discovery and inspiration for generations to come.”

Leveling out the ground for the fencing took precise work by operator-engineers, those who man giant earth-movers like bulldozers and backhoes. Read more on the process and their work here: https://fs.web.illinois.edu/Insider/2026/09/02/shop-spotlight-operator-engineers-bring-precision-power/. Ironworkers were essential, as they specialize in moving and placing heavy items such as each door of the gate, estimated at 1,900 pounds each. Stirling Lemme, from Planning, Design & Construction, was the project planner, and Don Gerard coordinated efforts from the Construction Services side.

The Morrow Plots are stewarded by the Department of Crop Sciences in the College of ACES — under the leadership of department head Adam Davis and Andrew Margenot, associate professor of soil science and director of the Morrow Plots — to ensure the fields remain both a living laboratory for research and a symbol of Illinois’ enduring contributions to agriculture.