The Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, will return to its permanent Iowa site in 2026, marking another chapter in the biennial rotation between Boone, Iowa, and Decatur, Illinois. Scheduled for September 1–3, the show will once again occupy the 600-acre Central Iowa Expo, a dedicated facility designed to accommodate the scale and logistical demands of modern agricultural exhibitions.
For farmers, agribusiness professionals, and technology providers, the Boone location offers more than just convenience—it places the event at the heart of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the U.S. “It’s always exciting to come back to Boone and to be in the middle of Iowa, at the intersection of production agriculture technology,” says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress senior director of events. The site’s central position, nestled between major highways like U.S. Route 30 and Iowa Highway 17, ensures easy access for attendees traveling from across the Midwest and beyond. Proximity to Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 further streamlines logistics for exhibitors hauling large equipment or hosting regional delegations.
The permanent nature of the Boone site sets it apart from many other agricultural shows, which often rely on temporary infrastructure. Here, visitors can expect hard-surfaced streets, permanent restrooms, and well-drained parking lots covered in alfalfa and sod—a practical touch that minimizes mud and dust, even in unpredictable weather. These features reflect a broader trend in agribusiness events: the growing expectation for professional-grade amenities that match the sophistication of the technology on display. From precision farming tools to autonomous machinery, the equipment showcased at Farm Progress demands a setting that can support both demonstration and discussion without the distractions of makeshift facilities.
The site’s host families—landowners and farmers Eric Ziel, June Isaacson, and Alan Schoff—play a key role in maintaining the connection between the event and the local agricultural community. Their involvement underscores the show’s roots in practical farming, even as it evolves into a global platform for agtech innovation. The proximity to Iowa State University in Ames, just a short drive away, also adds an academic dimension, often drawing researchers, students, and extension specialists to the event. This convergence of industry, education, and on-the-ground farming expertise creates a unique environment for collaboration, whether in the form of field demos, panel discussions, or informal networking.
For *Wallaces Farmer*, the host publication for the 2026 show, the Boone location aligns with a long-standing tradition of serving Iowa’s agricultural community while also attracting a national audience. The event’s alternating schedule between Iowa and Illinois ensures that different regions benefit from the economic and informational boost the show provides. Local hotels, restaurants, and service providers in Boone and Ames typically see increased business during the event, while farmers gain direct access to the latest advancements in seed genetics, digital farming tools, and sustainable practices—all presented in a format that prioritizes real-world applicability.
The 2026 show arrives at a pivotal moment for agriculture, as producers navigate challenges like input costs, climate variability, and the integration of data-driven decision-making. Events like Farm Progress have increasingly become more than just trade shows; they serve as barometers for industry trends, offering a snapshot of where farming is headed. The Boone site, with its blend of permanent infrastructure and Midwestern practicality, provides an ideal backdrop for these conversations—one where the future of farming is quite literally planted in the fields where the show takes place.