Illinois experts offer panels, interactive exhibits, and meet-and-greets at the Farm Progress Show

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will showcase groundbreaking research, hands-on demonstrations, and expert-led discussions at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Visitors to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and Illinois Extension tent — located to the right of the main entrance and pinned on Google Maps — will experience the technologies, tools, and knowledge driving the future of food and farming.

“These demonstrations, educational materials, and conversations embody our land-grant mission,” said Germán Bollero, dean of the College of ACES. “We’re bringing the best of innovation from the University of Illinois to the Farm Progress Show to help farmers, families, and communities thrive.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Dean Bollero, Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr., and Matthew Vann, the newly announced associate dean and director of Illinois Extension, during special meet-and-greet hours from 10–11 a.m. and 2:30–3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26. 

Illinois Extension’s Farm Broadcaster Todd Gleason will moderate panel discussions on pressing topics in agriculture — from global trade and transportation to weed management, digital agriculture, and more. Hear directly from Illinois experts, partners, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of food and farming. Panelists will also be available for media interviews immediately following each discussion. 

The full panel schedule is available online. Highlights include: 

• Illinois leadership discuss the future of ag innovation – Hear from university leaders and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)  on how Illinois is advancing innovation, preparing the next generation, and sustaining public–private partnerships amid shifting federal priorities.
   
• New markets for Illinois crops: Biomanufacturing and the future of ag – See how Illinois crops are fueling renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials in the growing bioeconomy.
   
• Managing weeds in a changing ag landscape – Experts share the latest strategies for integrated weed management and examine the policy landscape at the intersection of weed science and regulation.
   
• Transforming farming through technology – Explore how digital tools and AI are driving productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

The Illinois tent will also feature a wide range of interactive exhibits and demonstrations, allowing visitors to engage directly with Illinois researchers and Extension educators. Highlights include: 

• Next-generation ag tech and VR safety training – Step into the “farm of the future” and explore new safety tools through immersive virtual reality. See spray and scouting drones, a cover crop seeding robot, and a robot dog in action, plus interactive digital tools inside the tent.
   
• Illinois soil archive project – Learn about a historic statewide effort to compare century-old soil samples with new ones. Illinois landowners whose property matches original sampling sites could be eligible for $5,000 in free soil analyses and personalized consultation with U. of I. researchers by granting permission to re-sample their land.
   
• Sustainable land and water management – From pollinator-friendly gardening and natural windbreaks to no-till, cover crops, and conservation demonstrations, explore practical strategies for protecting soil, water, and biodiversity.

The Illinois tent will also spotlight opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders. As part of Illinois Extension, Illinois 4-H exemplifies how the university empowers young people to lead and succeed. 4-H youth, FFA members, and prospective students are invited to stop by to explore programs and careers in agriculture. 

ACES alumni — including 4-H alums — can stop by to reconnect. 4-H alumni can register and grab an Illinois 4-H alumni tote bag. Adult learners can also discover flexible certificates and degrees through ACES Online, designed to help professionals advance their skills and careers. 

For questions related to this event, or to schedule an interview with the Illinois leadership team, please contact ACES Director of Communications Claire Benjamin at 217-244-0941 or claire@illinois.edu.