DECATUR, ILL. (July 30, 2025) — This year’s Women in the Field programming at the Farm Progress Show will feature Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik, the influential co-hosts of the top-ranked Discover Ag podcast and TV series. The program kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 27, with the Discover Ag session from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on the Main Stage in the Hospitality Building. Immediately afterward, attendees can join a catered networking reception from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., fostering meaningful connections and conversations. Sponsored by PepsiCo., this program showcases the vital role of women in agriculture.
“The Women in the Field initiative highlights the invaluable contributions women make to agriculture,” said Emily Mauermann, director of marketing and product development at Farm Progress. “We are thrilled to welcome Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik to this year’s program. Their unique perspectives and advocacy work are inspiring, and their keynote will spark conversations about the future of farming and food production.”
Keynote Session
The Women in the Field initiative celebrates the vital role women play in agriculture, from hands-on farming to leadership in decision-making positions. Vander Dussen and Kovarik will deliver their keynote, “Agriculture in the Age of Virality: What Today’s Trends Mean for Tomorrow’s Farms,” exploring how viral trends, influencer opinions and cultural moments are reshaping public perceptions of farming and food production. They will address timely topics such as the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and the growing obsession with raw milk, unpacking what these cultural shifts mean for agricultural producers and rural communities.
With a combined decade of agricultural advocacy experience across social media platforms, Vander Dussen and Kovarik have cultivated a devoted community of more than 270,000 followers. Their influence extends beyond digital spaces, as they regularly speak at national and international events, empowering audiences to reconnect with agriculture and understand the stories behind food production.
Event Details
The Farm Progress Show will be held Aug. 26-28, 2025, in Decatur, Illinois. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT daily. Admission is $15 plus fees for advance tickets or $25 at the gate. Advance tickets and hotel accommodations can be booked online. For more information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com
About the Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show, one of the largest outdoor agricultural events in the United States, takes place annually in Decatur, Illinois, and Boone, Iowa, on alternating years. This industry-leading exhibition attracts a wide audience of farmers and professionals from across the world. With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest farming innovations, equipment and technology, the three-day event features dynamic field demonstrations and comprehensive educational opportunities for the global agricultural community. For more information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com.
About Farm Progress
As part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation’s most economically significant farmers, growers and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at www.FarmProgress.com.
