Agtech and the Future of Bioprocessing

Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week is a celebration of one of the nation’s most dynamic AgTech ecosystems, and on March 6, 2025, Farmland Stock Exchange was proud to take part in the AgTech Summit at the University of Illinois’ Illinois Conference Center. This event, nestled in a region powered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, innovative startups, corporate sponsors, and cutting-edge facilities like the iFAB Tech Hub, showcased the collaboration of Ag companies. At Farmland Stock Exchange we were proud to share our experience— with a role in the Intersection of AgTech and FinTech panel.

With over 600 people in attendance at the 10th Annual Summit, chancellor of the University Robert Jones kicked off, reflecting on his 40 year research career and his hope for future collaboration of Ag Companies in Illinois. 

Bioprocessing was a major topic of discussion, and U of I is doing a ton of groundwork for the industry in this regard. As panelists explained, bioprocessing is about harnessing biological systems—think microbes, enzymes, and plant-based innovations—to turn raw agricultural materials into valuable products. It’s an efficient solution for everything from biofuels to biodegradable packaging, and it’s poised to redefine how we think about waste in farming. The conversation highlighted real-world examples: stalks and husks once left to decompose could now fuel energy grids, while crop byproducts might become the building blocks for eco-friendly materials.

In a later discussion about Fintech in Agriculture, our CEO Brian Kearney was chosen to speak about our company Farmland Stock Exchange. In addition, Compeer brought their expertise in agricultural lending, sharing how they’re streamlining capital access for farmers. CNH Capital, with its focus on equipment financing, highlighted how fintech is powering the next generation of farm machinery. Harvest IQ explained their data-driven approach to helping farm profitability, showing how analytics can optimize yields and returns. And the Farmland Stock Exchange? We laid out our vision: a world where farmland investment is democratized through technology, connecting investors with opportunities while supporting the Ag ecosystem. Our platform bridges the gap between traditional agriculture and modern finance, and this panel was the perfect stage to showcase that mission.

Moderators pushed panelists to unpack real-world examples—like how Farmland Stock Exchange leverages AgTech insights to identify high-value farmland or how Compeer’s digital tools speed up loan approvals. CNH Capital spoke of financing innovations that get equipment into farmers’ hands faster, while Harvest IQ told of their predictive models that could transform risk assessment. For nearly 40 minutes, we debated, collaborated, and painted a picture of a fintech-fueled Ag revolution—one where the Farmland Stock Exchange is a key player.

What if you could boost your farm’s revenue and improve soil health—without taking on excessive financial risk? In today’s episode, we sit down with seasoned farmer Paul Butler to explore innovative strategies for increasing farm profitability while prioritizing sustainability. Paul shares his insights on conservation programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), as well as the economic benefits of no-till farming and cover cropping. He also reveals how maintaining strong relationships with landlords has allowed him to implement sustainable practices that would otherwise be financially challenging.

Listen in as Paul takes us through the intricacies of no-till farming, highlighting both its advantages and the hurdles it presents. He also talks about his journey of adapting cover crops and offers practical insights on striking a balance between soil conservation and farm profitability. Whether you're a farmer or investor, this episode is packed with valuable tips for optimizing land management strategies and leveraging government incentives to enhance both soil quality and financial returns.