On September 3, Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-17) visited Precision Planting, an innovative agriculture company based in Illinois. The visit, hosted by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), began at Precision Planting’s headquarters in Tremont, Illinois. There, the Congressman observed the development of the “Soil Lab in a Box”, a technology that streamlines the traditional soil sampling and testing process. This innovation allows agronomists to collect more data and fine-tune recommendations for farmers.
During his visit, Congressman Sorensen met with multiple engineers and staff, gaining valuable insights into Precision Planting’s role in advancing agriculture for Illinois soybean farmers. Following the tour of the headquarters, the Congressman and ISA staff visited Precision Planting’s new factory in Morton, Illinois. Here, he engaged with factory workers, learned about the facility’s economic contributions, and witnessed cutting-edge technology in action. This development is crucial for Illinois soybean farmers, as the innovations directly benefit them. The newly constructed Morton facility symbolizes the company’s ongoing growth and significant impact on the agriculture industry.
Background: Founded in 1993 by Gregg Sauder in Tremont, Precision Planting has evolved from a small garage operation into a leader in agricultural innovation. Now a part of AGCO, the company continues to shape the future of farming with cutting-edge technology. Congressman Sorensen’s visit highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that bolster the agriculture industry.
Importance: The Illinois Soybean Association hosted this visit to strengthen its relationship with partners like Precision Planting and to emphasize the importance of agriculture to Congressman Sorensen’s district. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Sorensen plays a crucial role in shaping agricultural policy. This visit showcased the significance of agricultural advancements and their direct benefits to local farmers and the local economy, reinforcing the need for continued support and collaboration.
