University of Illinois Celebrates 150 Years of Morrow Plots

Nation's oldest continuously operating agricultural research field reaches milestone at UIUC.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Morrow Plots, established in 1876 near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's south quad, are celebrating their 150th anniversary in 2026 as the nation's oldest continuously operating agricultural research field and the second oldest in the world. The historic plots have provided long-term data that transformed farming from tradition-based practices to science-driven decision-making.

Why it matters

The Morrow Plots exemplify the University of Illinois' land-grant mission, providing evidence-based recommendations that have served the public for generations. The plots' research has demonstrated the benefits of crop rotation and careful fertilizer use, improving crop yields, soil health, and long-term farm profitability.

The details

Early experiments at the Morrow Plots site showed that crop rotation and careful fertilizer use significantly improve crop yields, soil health, and long-term farm profitability. These findings were then shared with farmers statewide after the establishment of University of Illinois Extension in 1914, expanding the impact well beyond campus. In 1976, during its centennial year, the Morrow Plots were designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing their global importance in agricultural research. In 2023, 150 years of detailed field data were digitized and made publicly accessible.

  • The Morrow Plots were established in 1876 near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's south quad.
  • In 1976, during its centennial year, the Morrow Plots were designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • In 2023, 150 years of detailed field data from the Morrow Plots were digitized and made publicly accessible.
  • The sesquicentennial celebration of the Morrow Plots will take place in 2026.

The players

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

The college at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that oversees the Morrow Plots.

German Bollero

The dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

University of Illinois Extension

The outreach and public service arm of the University of Illinois that helped share the findings from the Morrow Plots with farmers statewide.

Bayer Crop Science

The company supporting the revitalized exterior of the Morrow Plots for the sesquicentennial celebration.

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What they’re saying

“The Morrow Plots are a huge part of our story in the College of ACES. They're a direct example of how we provide evidence-based recommendations that serve the public.”

— German Bollero, Dean, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (Chambana Today)

What’s next

The sesquicentennial celebration of the Morrow Plots in 2026 will include a revitalized exterior supported by Bayer Crop Science, the installation of a public webcam for year-round viewing, and a public tour and symposium scheduled for October 28th. The event will also unveil the Alma Mater Plots, an 80-acre research site in the university's south farms designed to expand on the Morrow legacy.

The takeaway

The Morrow Plots stand as a testament to the University of Illinois' commitment to its land-grant mission, using long-term agricultural research to drive evidence-based recommendations that have transformed farming practices and benefited the public for generations. As the plots celebrate their 150th anniversary, the university is poised to build on this legacy and continue pushing the boundaries of agricultural science.