Farm Progress Show extends Progress City USA site

Show grounds locked in for future world-class agricultural events

March 28, 2022 39

DECATUR — The Farm Progress Show will continue to hold its biennial event in Decatur for the long term.

In a joint news release made available Friday, Farm Progress announced an extended contract with Brush College LLC. The contract confirms the show to continue in Progress City USA on the campus of Richland Community College. The agreement also affirms that the show will continue to carry out its mission to provide world-class agricultural programming and experiences for decades to come.

The history of Farm Progress

The Farm Progress Show started in 1953 in Armstrong, IL until organizers had to find a more permanent location.

The Decatur site became the first permanent site for the show in 2005.

“Since being selected to host the Farm Progress Show, the relationship between Richland Community College [owner of Brush College LLC] and Farm Progress has grown into a great partnership opening tremendous opportunities for the Decatur region and the companies participating in the show,” said Greg Florian, Richland Community College VP of Finance and Administration. “We look forward to hosting the future shows.”

The first Farm Progress Show in Decatur was prepped for 305 days in time for the 2005 event. It led to many improvements to the site, including the addition of paved roads and three expansions. Currently, the site at Progress City USA is over 300 acres, including a state-of-the-art open-air convention center.

In 2009, the show would expand to a site near Boone, IA, with both sites taking turns every other year.

“We’re delighted to retain our location in Decatur and our partnership with Brush College to bring together the agricultural community,” said Don Tourte, senior vice president of sales and events for Farm Progress. “By keeping our deep roots in both Illinois and Iowa, it’s an opportunity for us to continue our legacy and support of the industry.”

Added interest in ag helps add program at Richland

Following the 2021 show, Richland and FBI Buildings partnered with the raising and lowering of a new building that will be the future home of the college’s ag program. The building would get its relocation after the show to the north of the Richland campus.

The Decatur shows create opportunities for Richland ag students to enjoy unique internship opportunities. High school students also benefit from these opportunities.

The Farm Progress Show is in Boone, IA this year and will be August 30 through September 1. Additionally, the show will return to Decatur with dates set for August 29-31.

Jake Leonard

Website | + posts

Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.