Schedule
Tech Hub LIVE offers 2 1/2 days of informative sessions, exhibiting companies, Tech Talks, Roundtable Discussion Groups, networking opportunities, parties, and more!
Bring your team to fully experience all Tech Hub LIVE has to offer.
2025 Schedule
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Registration
Upon your arrival, please head over to the registration desk to pick up your badge and event materials and prepare for an unforgettable few days!
Don’t forget to download the event app to maximize your event experience.
Sponsored by:
12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) Event (Add On)
Room 317-318
Join us at the WiAT event at Tech Hub LIVE, where industry leaders come together to engage, mentor and advance women’s roles in ag tech. Join us in this one-day event supporting a movement that cultivates the next generation of innovators and strengthens the future of agriculture.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Welcome Party
Location: Principal Park
Principal Park – Home of the Iowa Cubs!
Get ready to knock it out of the park at our Welcome Party! Join us for a night of good vibes, great music, and even better company at Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs. Mingle with peers, enjoy ballpark-inspired apps, and kick off the week with a grand slam of fun and networking before the conference officially begins!
Shuttles will be available from the Hilton Des Moines Downtown to/from Principal Park. There is also a walking map available in the mobile app.
Sponsored by:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration
Upon your arrival, please head over to the registration desk to pick up your badge and event materials and prepare for an unforgettable few days!
Don’t forget to download the event app to maximize your event experience.
Sponsored by:
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Join us for the networking breakfast to meet peers before the event begins!
8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Expo Hall Hours
Spend time visiting companies in the expo hall offers a unique opportunity to explore and evaluate the latest products, software, and technology advancements supporting retailers. Attendees can interact directly with exhibitors, learn about their products and services, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.
9:00 AM – 10:25 AM
Tech Talks & Fireside Chats
Big Ideas in 10 Minutes. While exploring the Expo Hall, stop by these fast-paced sessions to hear directly from experts about new products, services, and solutions shaping the future of ag retail.
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
Welcome and Five-Year Exhibitor Recognition
Presented by:Ron Trznadel, Event Sales Manager, Tech Hub LIVE, Meister Media Worldwide
Leveraging GenAI to Help Field Sales Reps Better Serve Their Customers
Learn how Fieldist Scribe leverages GenAI to help field sales reps do their daily selling and advising activities more easily, conveniently and effectively. It’s a sales enablement tool designed by and for field sales reps; it’s like having a digital personal executive assistant on speed dial 24/7. From keeping track of pending To Do’s and answering technical questions on crop protection products to scouting fields and sharing results, Fieldist Scribe enables Ag Retail sales reps to do a better job taking care of their customers.
Presented by: Todd Stein, CEO, Fieldist
Deliver Precision and Partner Value with SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds
Ag retailers face growing pressure to deliver more value with fewer inputs. SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds from Sentera uses drone-based imagery and AI to generate targeted spray prescriptions within 24 hours—helping retailers optimize herbicide use, logistics, and customer ROI. Fully compatible with existing sprayers with nozzle-by-nozzle control, SMARTSCRIPT enables precision without complexity. Learn how this plug-and-play solution strengthens your agronomic offering.
Presented by: Joe Walsh, Chief Growth Officer, Sentera
Precision Chitosan: A Breakthrough for Agriculture
Chitosan, a biopolymer upcycled from crab shells, is proving to be a breakthrough input in modern agriculture—enhancing plant health, suppressing pests and pathogens, and boosting the performance of other crop inputs. But precision matters: poorly formulated chitosan can backfire, increasing pressure instead of solving problems. In this Tech Talk, Tidal Grow® AgriScience will reveal how their proprietary approach to chitosan formulation—grounded in molecular precision and rigorous quality control—is transforming it into a powerful tool for crop protection, seed treatment, and nutrient use efficiency.
Presented by: Trey Cutts, Ph.D., VP of Commercial Ag Science, Tidal Grow AgriScience
Beyond Precision: Contextual Agronomy and the Importance of Becoming an Advisor
As agriculture becomes more data-rich, the real challenge isn’t collecting more information — it’s turning that information into confident, timely decisions. This talk explores the limitations of traditional agronomic data collection methods and makes the case for a shift toward contextual agronomy — a model that empowers advisors to interpret data in-field, in real time, and with greater clarity. Explore how leading agronomists are evolving from input suppliers to information providers, using comparative sampling strategies, real-time diagnostics, and zone-based management to deliver tailored insights. This approach doesn’t replace traditional agronomy — it enhances it — enabling advisors to stay top-of-mind with growers, drive meaningful in-season conversations, and proactively manage crop risk.
Presented by: Xavier Hebert-Couturier, CEO & Co-founder, Picketa Systems
Your Enterprise, Our Ecosystem: How Kahler Connects It All
Learn how to leverage Kahler Automation’s ecosystem to elevate your organization and unlock its full potential.
Presented by: Colt Silvers, VP of Business Development, Kahler Automation
Boosting Yields. Building Confidence
Farmers choose a combination of seed and crop inputs from trusted brands with no guarantee of these products’ effect on yield performance. Until now, farmers have been unable to reduce ag input performance risk by providing a guaranteed yield performance. OptimalAg Solutions relieves this financial hardship by empowering ag retailers and manufacturers to guarantee their inputs’ impact on yield performance. Ag retailers and manufacturers can now embed yield performance guarantees into recommended seed and input sales, and if yields underperform, farmers can recoup revenue losses.
Presented by: Billy Rose, Chairman and CEO, OptimalAg Solutions
From Tools to Assistants: Agentic AI & MCP in Ag Tech
What if your AI tools could act like assistants, making decisions, coordinating with each other, and solving problems on the fly?
In this talk, we’ll introduce Agentic AI and the emerging Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new way to connect systems so they can work together, even across different platforms or vendors. You’ll see how these technologies are already being used to automate decisions, break down data silos, and create smarter, more adaptable solutions in agriculture.
If you’re wondering how AI can help you move faster and work smarter – this talk is for you.
Presented by: Paul Rowe, Senior Architect, Source Allies
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to hear from industry experts, including CropLife Top 100 Retailers, as they discuss their current ag tech programs, adoption trends, technology advances, and solvable pain points in the ag tech industry.
Level 4 Foyer
From Policy to Profit: Navigating Ag Economics in a Rapidly Evolving Market
Join Megan Roberts, ag economist at Compeer Financial, for a candid fireside chat exploring the economic headwinds and opportunities facing today’s ag industry. With her combination of academic and farming experience, Megan will unpack how evolving ag policy, shifting market dynamics, and technological disruption are shaping the future of production agriculture. Attendees will gain a concise, insightful look at the key trends ag tech innovators, agribusiness leaders, and farmers should be watching—from interest rates to Farm Bill negotiations to the economics of tech adoption. Megan’s down-to-earth perspective and practical advice make this a must-attend for anyone looking to bridge economic strategy with real-world ag decisions.
Presented by: Megan Roberts, Ag Economist, Compeer Financial
What Happens When Ag Tech Grows Up: 10 Years of Exits and What They Mean for You
In this candid fireside chat, a general partner at Cultivation Capital breaks down a decade of AgTech exits—who’s buying, what’s changing, and what it all signals for the future of innovation in agriculture. Whether you’re a retailer, tech provider, or farmer, gain practical takeaways on how consolidation and acquisition trends impact the tools you use and the partners you trust.
Presented by: Kyle Welborn, General Partner, Cultivation Capital
Fast-Tracking the Future: What’s Fueling—and Slowing—Ag Tech Adoption in Agronomy
In this candid conversation, Paul Bonnett, Senior Director of Agronomy and Environmental Sciences at Nutrien Ag Solutions, shares his view from the front lines of agricultural innovation. What does it really take to bring new products and technologies to market—and what gets in the way? From regulatory roadblocks to retail realities, Paul will offer insights on how agronomy is evolving and how the industry can speed up meaningful tech adoption where it matters most: on the farm.
Presented by: Paul Bonnett, Sr Director Nutrien Agronomy, Nutrien Ag Solutions
Plowing Ahead: Tech Investment in Tough Times
Even in a challenging ag economy, New Holland is accelerating innovation—not pulling back. In this candid conversation, Ben Sheldon shares how the company is investing in smart spray systems, automation, and precision technologies designed to deliver real ROI. Hear what’s gaining traction, where the biggest opportunities lie, and how ag professionals can leverage the latest tools to stay competitive—even when the market is tough.
Presented by: Ben Sheldon, Technology Sales Manager, Raven Industries
How Markets and Mandates Are Shaping the Future of Farming
From ethanol incentives to sustainability targets, policy and market forces are rapidly changing what it takes to stay competitive in agriculture. Join Harley Janssen of the National Corn Growers Association for a straight-talking conversation on what’s driving these changes, how major buyers are staying the course, and what it all means for your farm or ag business
Presented by: Harley Janssen, Director, Outputs and Measurements, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)
Plugged In—or Burned Out? Making Sense of Third-Party Integrations
Retailers are flooded with tech solutions promising better insights, seamless integrations, and ROI—yet implementation often feels overwhelming. In this candid conversation, a retail leader shares lessons learned navigating vendor overload, deciding which tools to keep, and building a manageable tech stack that actually works. Hear how they evaluate new solutions, manage integrations, and avoid “shiny object” syndrome while staying focused on what growers really need.
Presented by: Adam Farmer, Chief Technology Officer, Mercer Landmark
Sponsored by
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Welcome, 5-Year Celebration, Awards Ceremony, Keynote
Room 305-310
Join us as we kick off Tech Hub LIVE! Prepare for an engaging preview of the next few days ahead with groundbreaking innovation and insightful discussions. We’ll celebrate five years of Tech Hub LIVE, recognize the winners of the CropLife Ag Tech Awards of Excellence, and enjoy a warm Iowa welcome from the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Sponsored by:
Join Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke as he officially welcomes attendees and sets the stage for a forward-looking conversation on innovation, sustainability, and the future of agriculture.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Beyond the Headwinds: Adapting & Advancing
Ag retailers are facing some of the toughest conditions in years—high equipment costs, high interest rates, rising input costs, low commodity prices, and tariff uncertainties. But smart strategies and technology are giving ag retailers new ways to navigate these challenges while driving efficiency and profitability. This keynote will explore how advancements in automation, AI-powered decision tools, and precision application systems are already reshaping ag retail. From reducing input costs to optimizing operations, this session will highlight real-world examples of how technology is helping retailers and farmers stay competitive, maximize yields, and improve sustainability—even in a tough market.
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Enjoy this time to refuel, network with attendees, and discover products and solutions in the Expo Hall.
12:40 PM – 1:50 PM
Tech Talks & Fireside Chats
Big Ideas in 10 Minutes. While exploring the Expo Hall, stop by these fast-paced sessions to hear directly from experts about new products, services, and solutions shaping the future of ag retail.
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
Afternoon Tech Talk Introduction
Presented by: Ron Trznadel, Event Sales Manager, Tech Hub LIVE, Meister Media Worldwide
DTN's Transformation Journey
DTN is undergoing a transformation of its agricultural solutions for agribusinesses. Come hear about the areas DTN is investing in to accelerate your organization’s growth.
Presented by: Cameron Holbrook, FarmIntel Business Lead, DTN
Strengthening Partnerships Through Shared Success
Arva Intelligence is helping ag professionals harness the full potential of their data to drive smarter, more sustainable decisions. By unifying multiple platforms and applying advanced AI and machine learning, Arva delivers actionable insights that optimize farming practices, streamline operations, and support environmental goals. Learn how shared success starts with shared data—aggregated, precise, and predictive.
Presented by: Matt Rohlik, Manager Director – Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Arva Intelligence
CropVoice: How “Talking” Soybeans Can Take the Guesswork Out of Fungicide Spray Decisions
Learn how InnerPlant’s InnerSoy sensors emit signals in response to plant stress, and how these signals are detected early by the CropVoice disease alert system—often before visible symptoms appear in the field. Understand how these insights can guide spray decisions, and how the other key technologies involved – including AI models that analyze plant signals and a comprehensive scouting and sampling program – confirm plant infections.
Presented by: Gary Schaefer, Chief Revenue Officer, InnerPlant
Silos to Synergy: The Power of Standardized Ag Data
Agricultural systems are only as effective as the data they’re built on. This talk explores how standardized foundational data can drive interoperability across platforms, streamline data reporting and analytics, and power smarter decision-making. Learn how AI is accelerating the extraction and structuring of data from complex crop input documents—while also understanding why human expertise remains critical to contextual accuracy. Whether you’re building APIs, integrating with other platforms, or supporting downstream analytics, this session will highlight how standardized data can become a strategic asset across the agriculture continuum.
Presented by: Samantha Murray, Head of Product Data, Compass Regulatory
How to Improve Grower ROI with the Next Generation of Phosphorus Fertilizer
Discover how innovative phosphorus technologies like RhizoSorb® are helping growers boost efficiency, reduce losses, and improve ROI. This session will cover field data, performance insights, and practical ways to upgrade your fertility strategy without increasing input costs.
Presented by: Craig Dick, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Phospholutions
Better Coverage or Less Drift? Why Choose One When You Can Have Both?
Most spray technologies force you to compromise—better coverage or reduced drift, but rarely both. At MagrowTec, we believe growers shouldn’t have to choose. Our patented technology delivers superior plant coverage and drift control in one simple solution. Join us to learn how MagrowTec is redefining spray efficiency and helping farmers get more from every application—more precision, more sustainability, more results.
Presented by: Russ Drenth, US Sales Director, MagrowTec
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to hear from industry experts, including CropLife Top 100 Retailers, as they discuss their current ag tech programs, adoption trends, technology advances, and solvable pain points in the ag tech industry.
Level 4 Foyer
Stacking Value: Making Carbon and Conservation Pay
This conversation explores how outcomes-based programs are creating new revenue streams for farmers by stacking environmental benefits like carbon sequestration and water quality. Hear how innovative partnerships are helping reduce risk, meet sustainability targets, and deliver real per-acre returns for growers.
Presented by: Adam Kiel, Executive Vice President, AgOutcomes
Reimagining Agronomy: How AI Can Transform the Farmer Experience
What does it take to build an AI tool that agronomists and farmers actually trust? In this conversation, Bayer’s VP of Agronomic Digital Innovation shares lessons learned from developing E.L.Y., a custom small language model built with real-world agronomic data. From farmer-first design to AI benchmarking and regional relevance, learn how human + digital delivery is reshaping the agronomic experience—and where the greatest opportunities lie next.
Presented by: Tami Craig Schilling, VP and Agronomic Digital Innovation Lead, Bayer
Navigating Autonomy and Data: Insights from AEM’s Industry Roadmaps
In this fireside chat, a leader from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shares key takeaways from the newly completed industry roadmaps on autonomy, data layers, and cybersecurity. Learn how the ag equipment sector is defining levels of autonomy, securing data in connected systems, and building a common language to drive innovation forward.
Presented by: Austin Gellings, Senior Director of Agricultural Services, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Connecting the Dots: How Interoperability Is Shaping the Future of Ag Equipment
Norbert Schlingmann, General Manager of the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF), shares insights on why interoperability between farm equipment is critical to the future of agriculture. Learn how global standards are improving compatibility across brands, what progress is being made with U.S. manufacturers, and what ag retailers and farmers need to know to unlock the full value of their technology investments.
Presented by: Norbert Schlingmann, General Manager, Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation
Eyes in the Sky: Leap into the Future of Ag Intelligence
EarthDaily Analytics has officially launched its next-gen Earth Observation satellite—marking a new era in remote sensing for agriculture. Learn how its daily, AI-ready imagery is revolutionizing decision-making across the ag value chain.
Presented by: Dave Gebhardt, General Manager, EarthDaily Agro
Sponsored by
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
GENERAL SESSION
Connected for Success: How Retailers Can Drive Efficiencies and Profits
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Room 305-310
In today’s challenging agricultural market, optimizing every aspect of the supply chain is more critical than ever for ensuring farmer success. This panel will explore how retailers, tech companies, and CPG organizations are leveraging various integrated solutions to increase efficiency and maximize profitability. We’ll examine the importance of supply chain optimization and the growing need for digital tracking, highlighting the crucial role retailers play in connecting the entire agricultural ecosystem to ensure sustained farms’ operational success.
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Networking Break
Enjoy this time to refuel, network with attendees, and discover products and solutions in the Expo Hall.
Sponsored by:
2:55 PM – 3:20 PM
Breakout Sessions
Select from the choice of breakout sessions that applies best to you. All sessions are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Track 1: Ag’s Race for Resilience
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
Retrofitting Ag: Maximizing Tech, Minimizing Costs
In today’s cost-conscious environment, retrofitting existing equipment with new technologies offers a practical path to greater efficiency and productivity. This session will dive into industry-wide trends in retrofit solutions, explore how new service models are changing equipment ownership and access, and outline the real-world challenges and opportunities of integrating precision and autonomous tools into current operations. Discover how retrofits are helping ag businesses stay competitive without the cost of full equipment replacement.
Track 2: Data – From Security to Strategy
Room 317-319
Securing Agriculture: The FBI’s Role in Protecting Farms, Ag Tech, and Supply Chains
The agricultural industry is facing increasing threats, from cyberattacks and supply chain fraud to equipment theft and intellectual property concerns. In this session, FBI experts will shed light on key risks impacting ag businesses today, including data security in precision ag, counterfeit inputs, and theft of valuable farm technology. Learn how law enforcement is tackling these challenges—and what ag retailers and tech providers can do to protect their businesses.
Track 3: The Ag Survival Kit
Room 305-310
The Power of Biofuels: Adding Value to Commodity Markets and Creating Opportunity for the Future
Row crop agriculture is under pressure from rising input costs, volatile commodity prices, and shifting market demands. As industries seek lower carbon alternatives, opportunities for bio-based products and renewable fuels are expanding. This session will highlight the latest in the biofuels landscape and what value and opportunities biofuels are bringing to row crop agriculture. Learn how ag retailers can position themselves to support farmers in capitalizing on this evolving market.
Session Developed in Collaboration with
3:30PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Select from the choice of breakout sessions that applies best to you. All sessions are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Track 1: Ag’s Race for Resilience
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
The State of Precision Application: Regulatory Frameworks and Future Directions
This panel-style session—featuring Adam Barlow of John Deere and Ben Sheldon of CNH/Raven, moderated by farmer and podcaster Corey Hillebo—dives into the current and future state of smart sprayer technology. The speakers will discuss where precision application tools stand today, real-world outcomes from early adopters, and how regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate these innovations. From cost savings and environmental benefits to label compliance and retrofitting opportunities, this session unpacks how smart spraying is reshaping application practices—and what ag retailers need to know to stay ahead.
Track 2: Data – From Security to Strategy
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Room 317-319
Breaking Down Data Silos: Making Ag Tech Systems Work Together
Digital tools promise efficiency, but too often, disconnected systems create frustration instead. How can ag retailers and farmers ensure seamless data flow between mixed fleets, farm management platforms, and ERP/accounting software? This session will explore real-world strategies for achieving interoperability—leveraging APIs, AI-driven integrations, and cross-platform data sharing—to synchronize operations from pre-emergence spraying to precision planting. Learn how to make systems talk to each other, reduce errors, and unlock the full value of digital ag solutions.
Track 3: The Ag Survival Kit
Professional Development CEUs: 0.5
Room 305-310
Help Wanted: Winning the Ag Workforce Challenge
Skilled labor shortages are a growing challenge across agriculture—but innovative strategies are making an impact. This session will showcase real-world programs, training initiatives, and workforce solutions that are helping businesses attract, develop, and retain talent. Learn what’s working and how these approaches can be adapted to meet the needs of a changing industry.
Session Developed in Collaboration with
4:10 PM – 4:35 PM
Breakout Sessions
Select from the choice of breakout sessions that applies best to you. All sessions are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Track 1: Ag’s Race for Resilience
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
From Paper to Profit: Automating the Farm Financial Engine
Discover how the next wave of farm management tools is replacing spreadsheets and manual tasks with digital systems that link operational data, mobile banking, and automated financial decision-making. Learn how ag retailers and tech providers can tap into this shift to deliver value-added services and deepen customer relationships.
Track 2: Data – From Security to Strategy
Room 317-319
AI, Ag Tech and the Law: Protecting Your Business and Farm Data
AI and ag tech are transforming farming operations—but with innovation comes risk. From data ownership and security to legal pitfalls and business vulnerabilities, this session will break down what every ag professional needs to know to protect their farm data. Walk away with actionable steps to navigate AI’s legal landscape while maximizing its benefits.
Track 3: The Ag Survival Kit
Room 305-310
The Growth Equation: Innovating When Every Dollar Counts
With high interest rates, low commodity prices, and rising input costs, innovation in agriculture can feel like a high-stakes gamble. In this presentation, we’ll explore strategies for driving growth while staying disciplined—how to invest, fail fast and smart, and stay focused on solving real problems instead of chasing every new solution. No matter the size of your company, this session will offer actionable insights on striking the balance between bold moves and strategic restraint.
Sponsored by
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
GENERAL SESSION
AI Promised to Fix Farming—What’s Taking So Long? Retailers Weigh In
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Room 305-310
AI-powered agronomy tools and equipment diagnostics are evolving, but are they ready for real-world use? This panel of ag retailers and equipment dealers will explore where we stand today—what’s working, what’s missing, and what still needs to be built. From AI-driven decision support in agronomy to smarter equipment diagnostics that empower farmers to troubleshoot and repair their own machines, the potential is huge—but so are the challenges. Join the discussion on how to clean up data, integrate systems, and move from promise to practical application without throwing out valuable progress along the way.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Networking Reception
Cap off a day filled with insightful conference sessions and engaging exhibits at our must-attend Networking Reception in the Expo Hall and continuing our 5-year celebration. Join us for networking, relaxation, and fun!
Sponsored by
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration
If you haven’t already, make sure to pick up your badge and event materials.
Don’t forget to download the event app to maximize your event experience.
Sponsored by:
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Join us for the networking breakfast to meet peers before the event begins!
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Expo Hall Hours
Take advantage of this last day to explore companies that are here to help you drive business forward effectively and efficiently.
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM
GENERAL SESSION
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Room 305-310
AI Tools in Agriculture: What to Know Before You Buy In
From CNH’s Tech Assistant and Bayer’s E.L.Y. to Syngenta’s Cropwise and John Deere’s Operations Center, AI-powered tools are gaining traction across agriculture. But what’s the real difference between tools built on large vs. small language models—and what does that mean for retailers, dealers, and farmers? This panel compares the functionality, integration potential, and limitations of emerging platforms. Panelists will explore how these tools connect (or don’t) with existing business systems like inventory software, crop planning tools, or equipment platforms—and what’s needed for AI to truly support smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.
Sponsored by: 
9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
Expert Exchange
Actionable Insights to Strengthen Your Role at the Farm Gate
Right Side of Expo Hall Behind Booths 413-415
Get in the mix and join the conversation. Join your peers and industry experts in facilitated, interactive discussions focused on solving real-world challenges in ag retail—from ROI and tech integration to regulatory hurdles and farmer relationships. Pick a topic that matters to you—then share ideas, ask questions, and walk away with insights you can actually use.
Making AI Work for Ag: Tools, Hurdles & What’s Next
Artificial intelligence is moving fast—and ag businesses need to be ready. This facilitated discussion will explore how companies are beginning to adopt AI tools, what’s working (and what’s not), and the governance steps needed to prepare for increased use across teams and customer interactions. Guided by legal and compliance experts, participants will share challenges, ask questions, and walk away with practical ideas for starting—or sharpening—their own AI strategy.
Presented by: Ross Johnson, Partner, Faegre Drinker
Sponsored by: 
Powering Possibility: Helping Farmers Succeed with Precision Tools
With precision ag technology evolving faster than ever, the challenge isn’t just innovation—it’s keeping up with service and support. As new tools hit the market at an unprecedented pace, how can ag retailers and service providers ensure seamless adoption and customer success? This facilitated discussion will explore real-world challenges and strategies for delivering reliable support, troubleshooting issues, and setting up a framework for long-term success in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
Presented by: Joel Kaczynski, Technology Solutions Manager – Ag, RDO Equipment Co.
Evolving Together: How Agribusinesses Can Stay Relevant in a Tech-Driven World
Growers today have more data, technology, and decision-making power than ever before—so where does that leave agribusinesses? This facilitated discussion will explore how agribusinesses can evolve from being product suppliers to strategic partners, helping farmers navigate and integrate new technologies for greater success. Participants will share insights, challenges, and strategies for staying ahead of the curve, embracing change, and ensuring long-term relevance in a rapidly shifting industry. Expect real-world examples, both successes and lessons learned, in this candid and interactive session.
Presented by: Adam Farmer, CTO, Mercer Landmark
Interoperability in Action: What Ag Retailers and Dealers Need to Know Now
Sit down with Norbert Schlingmann to discuss real-world interoperability challenges—and solutions—that impact your customers’ experience every day. Discover how new global standards are shaping equipment compatibility and why understanding these changes now can give your business a strategic edge in technology sales and service.
Presented by: Norbert Schlingmann, General Manager, Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation
Bridging the Digital Ag Skills Gap: Training Teams for Tomorrow’s Expectations
As digital tools become embedded in day-to-day decision-making, customers expect their advisors to bring more than just agronomic know-how—they expect digital fluency. Join Purdue’s Bruce Erickson for a small-group discussion on how ag retailers and co-ops can close the digital skills gap, equip employees for evolving tech demands, and build confidence in the field and in the office.
Presented by: Bruce Erickson, Clinical Professor of Digital Agriculture, Purdue University
Ag’s ESA Dilemma: How Technology Can Help
Navigating the complexities of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is becoming a growing challenge for agribusinesses. This facilitated discussion will explore the digital tools, data platforms, and precision technologies that can help streamline compliance, reduce risk, and support sustainable farm management. Join the conversation to share experiences, discover practical solutions, and gain insights on how agribusinesses can proactively adapt to evolving regulations.
Presented by: Glen Franzluebbers, Owner, No Limit Ag
Staying Sticky: What’s Driving Loyalty in 2025
With input prices rising and loyalty harder to maintain, retailers are rethinking how they deliver value to top-tier growers. This small-group discussion will focus on how ag tech—CRMs, analytics, digital scouting, and customized recommendations—is being used to strengthen relationships, improve retention, and anticipate customer needs. Share what’s working, where gaps remain, and how retailers are using technology not just to sell products, but to become trusted strategic partners.
Presented by:
Kirk Roetgerman, Chief Revenue Officer, Mercer Landmark
Steven Harrelson, COO, GROWERS
Doing More with Less: How to Rethink Ag Marketing in the Content Creator Era
Practical insights on working with influencers, repurposing podcasts, and aligning content with brand goals in a shifting media landscape.
Presented by: Tanner Winterhof, Podcast Co-host, Farm4Profit
Sponsored by: 
The North American Bioeconomy Data Alliance (NABDA) Introduces Manure as the Biomass of Choice
Join NABDA in transforming nutrient management with a manure digital auction and valuation platform with data powered by ManureDB, a manure nutrient database. This proposed platform would connect livestock producers with crop growers through data, economic tools, and post-sale logistics. The platform will bridge the gap between manure supply and demand, empower smarter decisions with built-in nutrient valuation, and advance the circular bioeconomy through innovation. Participants will learn how data can drive profitability, sustainability, and scalability in agriculture.
Presented by:
Joyce Hunter, Executive Director for Collaboration & Education, Mission Critical, and Former Deputy CIO of Policy & Planning and Former Acting CIO, USDA
Nancy Bohl Bormann, Ph.D., Researcher, University of Minnesota, and Farm Owner and Operator, Bormann Ag, Ltd.
Tom Buman, CEO, Precision Conservation LLC
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tech Talks
Tech Talk Stage in Expo Hall
Big Ideas in 10 Minutes. While exploring the Expo Hall, stop by these fast-paced sessions to hear directly from experts about new products, services, and solutions shaping the future of ag retail.
Tech Talks Day 2 Kick-Off
Presented by: Ron Trznadel, Event Sales Manager, Tech Hub LIVE, Meister Media Worldwide
Targeted Nutrient Management - Listen to Your Crops
Presented by: John Mascoe, CEO, Co-Founder, Leaftech Ag
Intersection of Agriculture and Technology
Technology functions as a catalyst for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. When combined with partnerships across the supply chain, technology enables collaborations and nurtures innovation. The goal is to use technology to solve real problems, to make your work easier, and to help your business thrive.
Presented by: Susanna Stout, General Manager, Solentra, a Cultura Company
Turning Ag Data into Agricultural Intelligence
Ag leaders need more than just data; they need clarity and insights to make that data actionable. AGDATA’s VP of Product, Barrow Hamilton, shares how retailers, distributors, and manufacturers can transform data into strategic intelligence that helps them see clearly, decide confidently, and act decisively across the supply chain.
Presented by: Barrow Hamilton, VP, Product Management, AGDATA
Scalable Agronomy Backed by Real-World Research
Ag retailers face rising pressure to deliver more with less. TerraFraming™—Advanced Agrilytics’ proprietary platform—turns field-level complexity into precise, zone-based insights that scale seamlessly across acres and agronomic strategies. Backed by independent research by Ag Ingenuity Partners (AIP), it helps retailers and input providers refine products, optimize services, and strengthen partnerships without disrupting existing workflows. Join us to explore how predictive, data-driven agronomy can elevate the value you bring to your customers —and create resilience in every acre and results in every acre.
Presented by: Allen Chen, Ph.D., AIP Regional Agronomist, Advanced Agrilytics
AI Driven Agronomic Models
Learn how xarvio Field Manager utilizes AI models to drive proactive targeting and planning of fields at risk of crop stress. Proactive execution of plant health management practices leads to increased yield in the field.
Presented by: Kyle King; US Commercial Lead, xarvio FIELD MANAGER
Spray Drones Are Here: Why Ag Retail Can’t Afford to Look Away
Spray drones are reshaping agriculture — not by replacing ground rigs, but by expanding what’s possible. From hard-to-reach acres to last-minute fungicide passes, drones are helping forward-thinking ag retailers increase service capacity, win new business, and unlock revenue that’s been walking out the door. In this fast-paced talk, Agri Spray Drones shares how this technology is changing the game — and what it means for the future of ag retail.
Presented by: Taylor Moreland, Founder and CEO, Agri Spray Drones
10:00 AM – 10:55 AM
Fireside Chats
Level 4 Foyer
Fireside Chats: Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to hear from industry experts, including CropLife Top 100 Retailers, as they discuss their current ag tech programs, adoption trends, technology advances, and solvable pain points in the ag tech industry.
More Than a Sale: How Retailers Can Help Farmers Manage Margins & Make Better Decisions
Many farmers don’t have a clear picture of their true cost of production—making it harder to know when and at what price to sell their crops. Ag retailers have a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships by helping farmers bridge this gap with digital farm management tools that simplify decision-making. Learn what’s working, what to avoid, and how these technologies can drive profitability for both farmers and retailers.
Presented by: Kelly Miller, Director of Fintech and Retail, Agri-Access
Inside the Beltway: ARA’s Take on What’s Moving – and What’s Stuck
Federal policy is in flux—and that has real implications for ag retailers on the ground. In this short fireside chat, the ARA president unpacks the current state of play in D.C., spotlighting key developments that retailers should track to protect their business and prepare for what’s next.
Presented by:
- Daren Coppock, President & CEO, Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA)
Connected Ag: How IoT Is Paying Off in the Field
Explore how connected tools—like drones, automation, and precision sensors—are reshaping the way farmers and ag retailers work. The conversation will touch on real-world use cases, practical starting points, and where early adopters are seeing the clearest returns.
Presented by: Mike Roudi, Chief Executive Officer, Emergent Connext
Interns, Innovation, and the Next Generation of Ag Talent
What does a modern ag internship look like? At Keystone Cooperative, interns aren’t just riding along—they’re leading projects, flying drones, managing peers, and shaping the future of ag retail. This quick conversation reveals how one co-op is making internships a cornerstone of their long-term workforce and innovation strategy.
Presented by: Makala Krieger, Agronomy Internship Program Coordinator, Keystone Cooperative
Sponsored by
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
GENERAL SESSION
Room 305-310
Purdue/CropLife Retail Precision Ag Adoption Survey: Top Technologies Shaping 2026
Join Purdue University’s Bruce Erickson as he presents the key findings from this year’s CropLife/Purdue Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey, the longest-running study on precision farming adoption, conducted every two years since 1996. The survey provides insights into the trends and technologies influencing ag retailers and their farmer customers, highlighting where investments are being directed. Gain a detailed look at the latest advancements in precision agriculture and learn where the market is headed in 2026.
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
GENERAL SESSION
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Room 305-310
Farmers Tell It Like It Is: Ag Tech, AI, and Retailer Relationships in the Real World
After two days of exploring the latest in ag tech, hear directly from the farmers who put these innovations to the test. This all-farmer panel will provide unfiltered insights on AI-enabled tools, smart equipment, connectivity challenges, interoperability frustrations, and more. What’s working? What’s not? And what do farmers really need from their retail partners? Don’t miss this candid discussion on the realities of implementing ag tech and how retailers can better support their farmer customers.
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Post-Conference Workshop (Add On)
Room 318
Spray Drones & Ag Retail: Finding the Sweet Spot for Profitability
Spray drones are generating buzz in ag retail—but how do they fit into your business? This workshop will break down the real-world opportunities and challenges of adopting drone technology. From return on investment and service models to logistics, training, and regulations, attendees will gain practical insights on what it takes to make spray drones a viable, scalable part of their operations.
Integrated Pest Management CEUs: 0.5
Crop Management CEUs: 1
Professional Development CEUs: 0.5
Precision Ag CEUs: 0.5
Sponsored by:
