PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- After nearly six months of negotiations, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville finalized on Wednesday a partnership with Case IH Agriculture -- a leading agricultural equipment manufacturer based in Racine.

"Given our color scheme, now we're a red, white and blue farm," said Duane Ford, UW-P interim provost, referring to Case IH's red and white colors and the UW-P's blue-trimmed Pioneer Farm buildings.

The agreement means the UW-P's Pioneer Farm and students in UW-P School of Agriculture will have -- for a nominal fee -- access to the newest agricultural equipment. A combination of new Case IH tractors, hay tools, skid steers, tillage implements, a planter and a combine will be used in the farm's day-to-day operations. The equipment will be delivered in early 2010 and each year following.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for not only the UW-P Pioneer Farm, but for the university and the agricultural community," said Phil Wyse, the facility's director. "Local producers will benefit."

He added that the partnership and the equipment will give both the farm and students access to "cutting-edge and precision farming technologies. This is very significant."

Carol Sue Butts, UW-P interim chancellor, called the agreement historic and said it was a "great" day for the university.

"This will provide an opportunity for our students to get the best education possible," she said.

A major area research facility, the 430-acre working farm boasts a swine center and a dairy center.

As part of the agreement, Case IH specialists will be available to support classroom instruction and participate in student clinics. The UW-P will assist Case IH in conducting engineering research and testing new equipment.

"I recall meeting them for the first time, and I was impressed," Wyse said. "They had an eye on the future."