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.
Read the full story, access the panel schedule, and explore Illinois' planned demonstrations, exhibits, and highlights at College of ACES.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.