Canr Partners With Case Ih to Enhance Research and Education With Advanced Tractor Technology

By Alex Dardas

A strategic partnership between College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), MSU AgBioResearch (ABR), and Case IH is advancing agricultural research and education. Under the terms of the partnership, CASE IH provides MSU with low-cost access to a fleet of tractors for use across campus farms and research properties. Thanks to this collaboration, these cutting-edge pieces of agricultural equipment are supporting critical operations and research initiatives both on and off campus.

With over 180 years of industry experience, CASE IH is a recognized global leader in powerful, reliable and highly efficient equipment that helps producers meet the challenges of modern agriculture.

“Our ongoing partnership with CASE IH makes a tremendous impact here on campus and across our many diverse research sites,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “We are grateful to CASE IH for providing us with access to these high-performance tractors that enable our researchers, staff and students to carry out essential agricultural operations with precision and efficiency. These tractors not only support the day-to-day needs of our farms and research centers, but they also empower our faculty and students to push the boundaries of agricultural science and innovation.”

"When Case IH tractors are at work across MSU’s farms and research centers, they power vital research and reflect the strength, reliability and tradition that have defined our brand for over 180 years. We love seeing those qualities in every field, including the beautiful MSU campus,” said Kurt Coffey, Vice President of Case IH North America. 

On-Campus Contributions

On MSU’s main campus, Case IH tractors are essential for research and maintenance operations:

At the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center, the Farmall 55C assists with turfgrass cultural practices such as topdressing, grading, and fertilizer application. It also supports minor excavation and growth media handling, contributing to the center’s mission of advancing turfgrass science.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support Case IH has provided to the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in advancing our research mission,” said Jesse Sholl, Turf Research Center Manager. “The Farmall 55C tractor has become an essential asset in our daily operations, playing a key role in plot renovations, research project upkeep, and general maintenance across the facility.”

“With equipment like the Farmall 55C, we’re empowered to push the boundaries of turfgrass research and innovation,” said Dr. Kevin Frank, Professor and Turf Extension Specialist. “Its versatility and reliability have significantly enhanced our ability to perform a wide range of cultural practices in-house, allowing our team to operate more efficiently and effectively.”

The Farmall 75C, stationed at the Plant Pathology Field Laboratory and South Campus Landscape Maintenance, serves as the primary mowing tractor for research vineyards, orchards, nurseries, and right-of-way areas, ensuring these spaces remain well-maintained and accessible for ongoing studies.

“The Farmall 75C has been the go-to tractor for our farming needs and we are sincerely grateful for the support and generosity of Case IH,” said Lance Forsberg, Farm Manager, Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers. “It has been used year-round on our farm for growing and maintaining a diverse number of commodity, specialty and perennial crops and has exceeded our expectations with its capabilities. The versatility of the front-end loader has allowed us to also plow snow and move soil, making short work of these tasks.”