Beck's Superior Hybrids has begun construction on their 165 acres of farm ground in Mclean County Illinois. The site will be dedicated to the company’s popular Practical Farm Research program, and is due to open Spring 2007. Beck’s Practical Farm Research program provides information to assist farmers in making management decisions on their own farm.

“This investment expands our commitment to Illinois farmers and will give them the opportunity to visit and learn from locally-based research,” says company Vice President, Scott Beck. The Illinois farm is located along I-74, ten miles southeast of Bloomington, with access from US 150 between Downs and Leroy, Illinois. The site provides good visibility along the interstate with excellent access for farmers coming from any direction which was a key factor in the company’s decision to bring their research to central Illinois.

At the new location near Bloomington, IL, Beck’s plans to conduct research that is of unique interest to Illinois farmers. Jason Webster, CCA, Beck’s Illinois Practical Farm Research Director will oversee the research projects and manage the functions held at the multipurpose building. Nearly 13,000 square feet of building will serve to provide storage space for seed and equipment utilized on the research farm, plus provide space for educational events, industry meetings, and an annual Field Show that Beck’s is planning for August 16, 2007. “I am very excited about bringing Practical Farm Research of this magnitude to Central Illinois. This research farm will allow Beck’s Hybrids to further demonstrate that we are striving to showcase our passion for learning how to farm better and more efficiently through the efforts of our Practical Farm Research,” says Farm Director Jason Webster.

Beck’s Hybrids is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers throughout Indiana and selected counties in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. According to a recent media survey, Beck’s ranks as the sixth largest seed company in the United States and the only one in the top six that is family-owned, making Beck’s the largest retail family-owned seed company in the U.S.