For decades, R.D. Offutt Farms has woven research into everyday farming. Whether it’s working with university partners, collaborating with industry, or testing new practices alongside our customers, learning has always been part of who we are.
Now, we’re taking that commitment one big step further.
We’re excited to share that in 2026, RDO will begin developing a new, 90‑acre Potato Research Farm in Wadena County, Minn. Ground preparation will be completed in 2026, with the first research trials beginning in 2027.
This farm gives us something we’ve never had before: a clean, controlled field designed just for learning, testing, and improving. It’s a place where we can explore new ideas, advance sustainable farming practices, and share results that will help growers across the region.
A focused commitment to research and innovation
Research isn’t new to us. Over the years, we’ve run hundreds of field trials — everything from nutrient management and irrigation strategies to variety development and disease studies. These trials directly shape how we farm today.
But having a dedicated research farm allows us to take our work to a whole new level.
Instead of working around whatever was planted in a field last year, we get to start fresh. No lingering inputs. No leftover crop residue. Just a clean slate that lets us measure results clearly and consistently.
The farm is also being designed to reflect real-world farming practices. That means we will rotate crops and incorporate cover crop trials during non potato years, just like we do in our commercial operations.
The vision for this research farm comes from Tom Ryan, President of R.D. Offutt Farms, who is an agronomist at heart.
“This research farm is about more than improving our own operations — it’s about contributing to the future of potato farming in a scalable, meaningful way,” Ryan said. “By creating a dedicated space for collaborative research, we hope to help growers across the industry adopt practices that are both productive and environmentally responsible.”
What will the research focus on?
Our goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world farming. While research plans are still coming together, we anticipate focusing around:
- Nutrient Management: Understanding nitrogen cycles for different potato varieties to optimize fertilizer use.
- Genetic Research & Gene Editing: Working to develop potato varieties with stronger yields, better water efficiency, improved storage quality, and enhanced disease resistance.
- Irrigation Management: Measuring water use efficiency and testing variable rate irrigation strategies.
- Advanced Product Trials: Measuring how biological products, soil enhancements, and nitrogen stabilizers perform in controlled settings.
- Technology & Innovation: Exploring tools like water sensing technology, imagery, and remote pest/disease detection.
Built with sustainability in mind
With final details still in development, the farm will be equipped with an efficient irrigation system and custom plots to support a wide range of research needs.
Just as important, we will make our results accessible.
As trials move forward, we’ll share outcomes with growers, partners, and institutions to ensure this research contributes to the broader advancement of sustainable potato production.
