What I Learned at Farm Progress 2025 (And Why This Show Still Matters)

Another Farm Progress Show is in the books, and I’m still processing everything from our time in Decatur. If you’ve been following Farm4Profit for a while, you know I’ve been to my share of trade shows—first as a banker trying to build relationships, then as a podcast host trying to capture the pulse of agriculture. But this year’s show reminded me why these live events remain so crucial, even in our digital-everything world.

The Innovation That Actually Caught My Attention

Walking the grounds this year, I couldn’t help but think about how much the technology landscape has shifted since I started attending these shows. The Weed Zapper from Old School Manufacturing was drawing crowds all week, and for good reason. Here’s a machine that uses electricity to zap weeds instead of relying on herbicides. As someone who spent years analyzing farm loan applications, I immediately started running the numbers in my head: What’s the cost per acre? How does this pencil out against herbicide programs? What happens when you factor in labor savings and the growing problem of herbicide resistance?

That’s the banker in me talking, but it’s also the practical farmer mindset that I think gets lost sometimes in all the trade show excitement. Yes, the technology is cool. But does it make financial sense for the farmers I talk to every week?

The White Big Bud tractor from Welker Farms paired with Demco’s Big Buddy 1300 cart was impossible to miss. That setup drew photographers like moths to a flame, and I get it—the sheer scale is impressive. But beyond the spectacle, it represents something important about where farming is heading. The efficiency gains from equipment like this aren’t just about looking impressive at trade shows; they’re about the economic realities facing farms that need to cover more ground with fewer people.

Then there was the Raptor drone, showcasing how aerial technology is moving beyond simple field mapping to handling serious agricultural workloads. I’ve watched drone technology evolve from expensive toys to legitimate farm tools, and seeing this level of capability in one machine shows we’re still in the early innings of this revolution.

The Conversations That Made the Trip Worth It

But here’s what I really want to talk about: the people. The equipment is what gets the headlines, but the conversations are what actually move our industry forward.

Sitting down with Zach Johnson—the Millennial Farmer—is always a highlight. The guy has this ability to make complex farming operations relatable to millions of people, and every time we talk, I learn something new about content creation and community building. Matt and Kelly Griggs brought that Tennessee perspective that reminds you how diverse American agriculture really is. And Farmer King... well, if you know, you know.

Here’s where it gets interesting: we also sat down with IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood. Now, you might wonder what a race car driver has to do with agriculture, but that conversation blew me away. The parallels between high-performance racing and modern farming—precision, technology integration, split-second decision making, equipment optimization—are more similar than you’d think. It’s exactly the kind of cross-pollination of ideas that only happens at live events.

Lee Klancher brought the author’s perspective on agricultural storytelling, and Ryan from Rak’d Audio gave us insights into the technical side of content creation that most people never think about. Each of these conversations will generate content and ideas for months to come.

Why Face-to-Face Still Matters

There’s something about meeting listeners in person that transforms the relationship entirely. When someone comes up to you and says, “Hey, I listen to your show every week,” that’s one thing. But when they start sharing their story—their challenges, their innovations, their family farm’s journey—that’s when you realize the real impact of what we’re doing.

These aren’t just downloads or social media followers. They’re real people making real decisions about their operations, and somehow our conversations are part of that process. That responsibility isn’t lost on me.

I watched our team connect with farmers from across the country, each bringing unique perspectives and challenges. A corn farmer from Nebraska has different concerns than a cotton producer from Georgia, but they’re all trying to solve the same fundamental puzzle: how to run a profitable operation in an increasingly complex world.

What This Show Revealed About Agriculture’s Direction

Looking at the totality of Farm Progress 2025—the innovations, the conversations, the community—I see an industry that’s more sophisticated and interconnected than ever before. The restored John Deere 4555 and 8400 tractors in the John Deere booth weren’t just nostalgia pieces; they were reminders of how far we’ve come.

But they also highlighted something important: the fundamentals of farming haven’t changed. You still need to manage risk, optimize efficiency, and make smart financial decisions. The tools are getting more sophisticated, but the core business principles remain the same.

That’s why I believe content creators like our team play such a crucial role. We’re not here to promote the latest and greatest technology for its own sake. We’re here to help farmers think through these decisions with clear heads and business-focused perspectives.

The Weed Zapper might be innovative, but is it right for your operation? The Big Bud setup might be impressive, but does it make sense for your scale? These are the questions that matter long after the trade show excitement wears off.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on Farm Progress 2025, I’m optimistic about agriculture’s future. The innovation is real, the community is strong, and the conversations are getting more sophisticated every year. But I’m also reminded that technology alone doesn’t drive progress—people do.

The relationships built at events like this, the knowledge shared in casual conversations, the trust developed through face-to-face interactions—these are what actually move our industry forward. All the digital reach in the world can’t replace the power of looking someone in the eye and having an honest conversation about what’s working and what isn’t.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, shared their stories, and reminded us why this work matters. Farm Progress 2025 is done, but the conversations it sparked will continue for months to come.

See you at the next one.