The Farm Progress Show heads back to Illinois in 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary in Decatur, Illinois, August 26-28, 2025. This year’s event adds new features, exhibits, and more to the show site. Why come? Matt Jungmann doesn’t miss a beat with that question.
“To stay up to date on the latest in the industry, regardless of whether that’s equipment or technology or seed or fertility or cover crops or educational seminars — the Farm Progress Show is the place to stay up to speed on your business,” says Jungmann, Farm Progress senior events director and a farmer himself in western Illinois. “We are proud to offer an event that not only showcases the progress in the industry but also serves as a hub for farmers, exhibitors and businesses to connect and share their passion for agriculture.”
Advance tickets are available now, and they make it cheaper and easier to get into the show once you arrive on the grounds. An adult ticket at the gate costs $25, but you can get it online for $15 (plus fees) from the online ticket vendor.
“We want you to be able to roll into the show and check out all the equipment and technology that’s important to you, without waiting in lines or spending more than you need to,” Jungmann says.
Jungmann says one of the best features of the show is the opportunity to talk to the right person from the right company — because they’re all there.
“You can be assured the right product specialists, engineers and the right people are there to talk to you,” he says. “It’s also networking and a gathering of the industry. You might be networking with a neighbor or somebody you haven’t seen for a long time, or you might have the opportunity to line up a meeting with somebody just because you’re both going to be in the same place at the same time.”
Twenty years is a fun point in history to celebrate, and Jungmann adds that a lot of the folks who put on the show in 2005 are still helping in 2025 — and every other year, it’s like a family reunion.
“It’s a lot of volunteer groups and vendors, plus traffic, fire, Richland Community College. And the host farmers, David Brix, Marc Padrutt, Jeff Zinn and Bill Vorhees. Along with our staff, it has been a wonderful partnership,” Jungmann says.
What are the can’t-miss stops you’ll want to make?
Field Demonstrations
Billed as the largest outdoor farm show in the U.S., the Farm Progress Show is known for its field demonstrations, complete with 300 acres of corn harvest, tillage and autonomy demonstrations. Field demo corn was planted by April 17, and host farmers planted 87-day corn — more like a North Dakota hybrid — in hopes that it will mature in time for harvest in late August. Watch for demo details at FarmProgressShow.com/FieldDemos.
Drone Demos
Right next to the field demos, you’ll find the latest in drone application technology in the new FPS Drone Zone, including a huge demonstration of applicator drones. Jungmann has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and exhibitors like Agri Spray to develop an educational applicator drone demonstration, and visitors will see both dry and liquid applications. Look for those demos outside of Gate 4 on the northeast corner of the show site.
John Deere Wi-Fi
Say goodbye to the FPS cellphone dead zone! John Deere is sponsoring free Wi-Fi for the entire site. Look for signs as you head into the crowds with details on how to log in and connect, including passwords. “It’s no small feat to blanket 90 acres with Wi-Fi coverage,” Jungmann says. “You can only imagine the behind-the-scenes operational task of getting that accomplished!”
Women in the Field
Swing by the Farm Progress Show Hospitality Building for a special set of programming on women in agriculture, brought to you by PepsiCo and Farm Progress. Look for a few names you may already know, including Discover Ag podcasters Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik.
Check for updates at FarmProgressShow.com/WomenintheField.
Cover Crop Plots
Look for five lots dedicated to cover crop plots, including 200 feet of 10-foot strips. Organizers have planted two separate plantings, including a variety of blends and strains. Find the cover crop plots at Lot 1228. “It’s a great time of year to learn about this stuff,” Jungmann says.
“This Week in Agribusiness,” politicians and more.
Sponsored by Titan Tires and located in the Farm Progress Show Hospitality Building, is your one-stop shop for the latest industry news and entertainment. Check in daily at 8 a.m. for the Best of Farm Progress Show, offering up insights on must-visit stops at FPS25. Then at 9 a.m., hear from notable speakers on markets, technology, legislation and more. Catch ag broadcasters Max Armstrong and Mike Pearson on “The Noon Show,” sponsored by the United Soybean Board, which begins at 11:30 a.m. daily, and on Aug. 27 (Tuesday) at 1:30 p.m. for a live recording of “This Week in Agribusiness.” Other special events include a Women in the Field session and a networking hour on Aug. 28 starting at 2 p.m., sponsored by PepsiCo. Come back at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 and 28 for an after-hours agronomy show with AgPhD’s Hefty Brothers.
Steaks and Pie
Don’t miss the food! Look for four food stands in each of the four quadrants, plus a ribeye stand at the intersection of 10th Street and East Avenue. And if you haven’t sampled the Pie Lady’s offerings in the past, you’re missing out. “The Pie Lady will make be making her triumphant return to Decatur,” Jungmann promises. Look for coffee, kettle corn and more.
Varied Industries Tents
Jungmann says the last time the show was in Decatur, they extended the VIT from West Avenue to Central Avenue, and it completely filled up. This year, there will be a second VIT, too. “VIT exhibitors are both central Illinois companies and they’re from all over the world, so it’s a great variety,” Jungmann says.
Ride and Drive
The Ride and Drive areas are perennial favorites where visitors can try out the latest side-by-sides. Jungmann says there will be lots of them at the 2025 show, from all the big players: John Deere, Polaris, Can-Am and more. Look for them north of the exhibit field and on exhibitor lots. “Having a Ride and Drive there is a great shopping opportunity if you’re interested in that market,” he adds.
FPS and Riggs Beer
Fifth-generation Champaign County, Illinois, farmers Matt and Darin Riggs founded Riggs Beer Co. nearly a decade ago as a way to make beer from products grown right on their farm. This year, they’re partnering with the Farm Progress Show for a specially labeled FPS Beer, made from their American Lager. Visitors will find it on tap in Syngenta Square, and available for purchase at outlets throughout Central Illinois. “We were excited to partner with a group of farmers that brew beer, and the Riggs brothers have been great to work with,” Jungmann adds.
Air Tractor
The week before the show, organizers will shut down Mound Road to land an airplane; then they’ll bring the Air Tractor into the show site at Gate 3. The week after the show, they’ll take it out the same way — and take off the same way. Look for the Air Tractor plane on display just inside Gate 3 on the north end of Central Avenue.
Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for ages 13-17; 12 and under are free. Discounted advance tickets for $15 (plus fees) are available at FarmProgressShow.com, and you can also buy group tickets for 20 or more at the same link. Student tickets are not available online.
The Farm Progress Show runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days.
