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FARMCON 2025 was an absolute hit. If you’re not familiar, FARMCON is run by the Van Trump family and they’ve built this event into more than just a conference – it’s a meeting of the minds for ag innovators, business owners, and farmers who are shaping the future of the industry. The Van Trumps are all about blending business savvy with real-world farm knowledge, and it shows in the lineup and the vibe of the event. 

Over 1,200 attendees, including farmers, CEOs, investors, and ag startups, came together this year in Kansas City. It was the perfect mix of gritty farm wisdom and forward-thinking innovation.  

Below are 5 big trends we walked away with from the conference – insights that are reshaping agriculture and might spark some fresh ideas for your own operation.

1. Soil Health = Farmer Wealth 

One of the most repeated messages was simple but powerful: soil health is the foundation of farmer wealth. Holganix teamed up with an Iowa grower to dive into what this means for a farm’s bottom line. Healthy soil means lower input costs (less fertilizer, less fuel), higher yields (more cash in your pocket), and access to carbon credits (another revenue stream). 

This grower also connected the dots between soil health and carbon sequestration. When your soil is healthy, it pulls more carbon out of the atmosphere. That’s a win for the environment and your wallet. If you’re part of a carbon credit program, better soil health can mean more credits to sell. 

Holganix broke down the different types of carbon programs out there, from model-based systems (predicting sequestration from doing good stuff like no-till and cover crops) to physical measurement programs. Both have pros and cons, so it’s about finding the one that works for your farm and goals. 

2. Advanced Grain Marketing Strategies 

The markets can be a rollercoaster, and this year’s sessions on grain marketing were packed. Experts shared tips on how to stay ahead of market trends, strategies for maximizing returns in volatile conditions, and what to expect over the next 6-12 months.  

If you’re feeling like the markets are more unpredictable than ever, the takeaway was clear: stay informed and flexible. Tools, data, and a solid plan can make all the difference. 

3. Branding Your Farm (Disney Style)

Yes, you read that right. Duncan Wardle, Disney’s former Head of Innovation and Creativity, talked about branding – and it hit home. His message? Your farm is more than just crops or livestock; it’s a story, a brand. Farmers are exploring ways to move beyond commodity markets by creating unique products, building strong brands, and standing out. Whether it’s a label on your beef or a story behind your grain, innovation, and creativity are the way forward. 

4. Turning AgTech into Profit

There’s been a lot of buzz around AgTech, but not all of it has delivered on the hype. That said, investors at FARMCON shared that they’re still eager to back the right tech. The key? AgTech that solves real problems on the farm. Whether it’s precision tech, automation, or data tools, the focus is on solutions that boost profitability and make life easier for farmers. 

5. De-Commoditizing Agriculture

Speaking of branding, there was a big focus on finding ways to add value to your farm products. Moving beyond being a price-taker in commodity markets to becoming a price-maker is a huge opportunity. Think specialized crops, premium beef, or even agritourism. The idea is to meet specific consumer demands and stand out in a crowded market. 

Conclusion: Innovation Is Non-Negotiable 

If there was one overarching theme, it’s that the industry is changing fast, and innovation is the only way to keep up. From soil health practices to tech adoption, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just smart – it’s necessary.