CANR and Case IH Collaborate To Advance Agricultural Innovation and Education
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), in partnership with MSU AgBioResearch (ABR), has joined forces with CNH brand, Case IH, to elevate agricultural research and learning.
Through this strategic alliance, Case IH is offering Michigan State University affordable access to a fleet of high-performance tractors, which are now actively supporting operations across campus farms and research facilities.
These advanced machines are playing a pivotal role in both daily maintenance and scientific exploration at MSU:
At the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center, the Farmall 55C is instrumental in turf management tasks such as topdressing, grading, and fertilizing. It also aids in excavation and handling growth media, contributing to the center’s mission of advancing turfgrass science.
The Farmall 75C, located at the Plant Pathology Field Laboratory and South Campus Landscape Maintenance, is the primary mowing tractor for vineyards, orchards, nurseries, and right-of-way areas -ensuring these research zones remain accessible and well-kept.
The Magnum 200 supports a wide range of programs at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center and the Crop and Soil Sciences Agronomy Farm, including breeding trials for soybeans, wheat, maize, and potatoes, as well as studies in weed science, soil fertility, and crop pathology. It also contributes to operations at the Mason Research Farm and Plant Pathology Farm.
“We deeply appreciate Case IH’s support for our plant science research efforts on south campus,” said Mike Particka, Agronomy and Mason Farm Manager.
Expanding Impact Beyond Campus
Off-campus, the Magnum 340 has become a cornerstone of operations at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). Its powerful hydraulic system enables efficient use of hay baling and wrapping equipment, while its strength supports key activities for the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) and Great Lakes BioEnergy Research Center (GLBRC). From hauling grain carts to manure tankers and performing tillage, the Magnum 340 is vital to MSU’s agroecological research.
At the Trevor Nicholes Research and Extension Center, the Farmall 110N plays a central role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It ensures precise application of plant protectants across apple orchards, blueberry fields, and grape vines. The tractor also supports pest control studies -such as those targeting the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) - and contributes to IR4 research, which evaluates plant protectants for crops not yet covered by existing labels, helping expand their use and improve crop protection.
An additional Farmall 110 is also in operation at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center (WCMREC) in Hart, Michigan.
