Bloomington, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) -Connecting farmers with innovators and industry professionals is the goal of the inaugural AgTech Innovation Showcase at Heartland Community College in Normal.  The free event is set for August 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a collaboration between the Illinois Farm Bureau and BioSTL.

The showcase will offer a platform for displaying disruptive new agricultural technologies and provides farmers with an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge advancements in the field.

Keynote speaker Dr. Rob Rhykerd, a soil science professor from Illinois State University, will discuss his research on monetizing cover crops, including pennycress.

“Innovators want to hear from farmers — what works, what doesn’t and what is practical,” said Jenny Webb, IFB assistant director of industry affairs. “This event is a win-win. Farmers get to learn about cutting-edge new technologies and companies benefit from real-world feedback from farmers.”

Throughout the event, attendees will be able to hear presentations from various innovators presenting practical on-farm solutions aimed at boosting farm profitability, enhancing soil health, and implementing regenerative agriculture techniques. Networking opportunities with numerous companies will also be available, fostering direct interactions and feedback between farmers and technology developers.

Registration for the AgTech Innovation Showcase is open through July 29.  More information is available at on.ilfb.org/agtech24.