Join us in the heart of Allen Country, Ohio, where Nutrien employees and eclipse enthusiasts witness a total solar eclipse

Today marked a rare celestial event in Allen County, Ohio – a total solar eclipse. Lasting just under four minutes, it captivated onlookers, darkening the sky around them.

Employees from Nutrien’s Lima Nitrogen facility had the unique opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse firsthand. Gathering in the community alongside solar eclipse enthusiasts, employees donned eclipse glasses to witness the spectacle, enjoying front-row seats for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Viewing the total solar eclipse was so special,” says Russ Decker, Manager, Special Projects, Lima. “Being able to experience this in the community where I live, and work was a moment I’ll never forget.”

“It’s exciting to be located at the heart of this total eclipse, which is only the 21st time in our nation’s history that it has been visible in the continental United States -- and the first in Ohio since 1806,” says Todd Sutton, General Manager, Lima. “With over 100,000 visitors converging on our community to view the spectacular event, it was truly a unique experience.”

Proactive operational and community safety

As anticipation built for the eclipse, Nutrien’s Culture of Care guided the facility's preparations. Russ Decker, a member of the local Chamber of Commerce's Eclipse Committee, helped make operational and safety decisions for the site and community.

“The committee was designed to understand the implications of the eclipse and its potential impact,” says Russ. “At our facility, we encouraged completing non-critical tasks remotely and advocated for a safety stand down during the peak eclipse viewing period to ensure the well-being of all."

With projections estimating a significant influx of visitors, there was expected pressure on Lima’s public safety services, hospitals, and infrastructure. Following Nutrien’s Culture of Care, the site developed a strategy that prioritized safety, treating the eclipse day the same as a severe winter weather event, and implementing a plan that was already developed.

“We’re committed to caring and looking out for each other, and with the population in Allen Country nearly doubling with the number of visitors, our facility reduced staffing levels and implemented operational adjustments,” says Todd. “Thank you to those who had to continue to work during this event, I truly appreciate your great work and dedication.”