Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Ag Expo announced today the speaker lineup and schedule for its new series of educational sessions called ExpoEDU. The sessions will take place at the new ExpoEDU stage in the Food Court of the LivestockMarket Pavillion of the Sandhills Global Event Center. ExpoEDU sessions are included with admission to the Nebraska Ag Expo.
This year’s lineup of speakers will cover topics like adopting new tech and working with startups, drone innovations in precision agriculture, herbicide-free regenerative agriculture using robots, panel featuring the future of ag tech, replacing large equipment and labor with field robotics, saving the family farm, practical usage of drones on farms and ranched, where the markets are headed in 2026, Irrigation water isn’t just H2O, what to expect for weather in 2026, what to know about the current ag economy, and transition planning. Each speaker is a leading expert in their respective field.
“A total of 13 presentations will take place, including five panel discussions. There is seating for 57 people under the arches, but four monitors surround the stage area will allow attendees in the peripheral area to listen and engage also.”
The full ExpoEDU lineup includes 13 speaker sessions:
Tuesday, December 8
10:00-10:45 a.m.
» Thermal and Multispectral Drone Technologies for Resilient Agriculture
Dr. Deepak Joshi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Precision Agriculture | Kansas State Extension
This talk will highlight the latest drone technologies used in precision agriculture. Attendees will learn how thermal and multispectral imaging help monitor crop health, improve spray applications, and support more informed farming decisions.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
» Mini Pitches
NEW this year: Mini Pitch sessions!
Get a quick look at 6-10 products and technologies coming to market from the Innovation Hub—or newly available—that could make a difference on your farm or ranch.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
» 7 Additional Markets Most Farms Can Sell Into
Eric Dinger, CEO & Founder | Landoption
This talk will explore seven additional markets Nebraska producers can tap into to diversify revenue opportunities. Attendees will learn how farmers and their advisors can identify new markets, expand income potential, and better manage risk.
1:00-1:45 p.m.
» From Ambition to Autonomy: The ALA Story
Jacob Hansen, CEO & Co-Founder | ALA Engineering
This talk will highlight ALA Engineering’s journey into autonomous cattle feeding. Attendees will learn about the engineering decisions and operational challenges that shaped the technology, along with valuable insights for developing equipment in demanding industries.
2:00-2:45 p.m.
» Mini Pitches
NEW this year: Mini Pitch sessions!
Get a quick look at 6-10 products and technologies are newly released or had an important update that could make a difference on your farm or ranch.
Wednesday, December 9ESDA DECEMBER 6
10:00-10:45 a.m.
» Saving the Family Farm: Estate Planning Made Easy
Dana Troske, Financial Advisor and Jerrod Gregg, Attorney | Mutual of Omaha & Estate Planning Law Group of Blazek & Gregg
This talk will cover succession and estate planning for farm families preparing for the next generation. Attendees will learn strategies for keeping the family operation intact, protecting family members involved in the farm, and creating a fair plan for non-farming family members.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
» Mini Pitches
NEW this year: Mini Pitch sessions!
Get a quick look at 6-10 products and technologies coming to market from the Innovation Hub—or newly available—that could make a difference on your farm or ranch.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
» Planning for What’s Next: 1031 Exchanges & Farm Succession
Heath Bandars, Director of Business Development & Marketing | Fiduciary 1031 Exchange Solutions
This talk will cover the basics of 1031 exchanges and how they can be utilized in farm and land sales. Attendees will learn how 1031 exchanges can help landowners navigate property transitions, plan for the future, and support long-term succession goals.
1:00-1:45 p.m.
» Where Are Grain and Livestock Markets Headed in 2027? | Grain IQ Live from the Nebraska Ag Expo
Where are corn, soybean and livestock prices headed in 2027, and what should farmers and ranchers be watching as they make marketing decisions?
In this special episode of Grain IQ, recorded live at the Nebraska Ag Expo, we’re joined by Darin Newsom, market analyst, and Kyle Bumsted, livestock analyst, for a look at what’s ahead for agricultural markets in 2027.
Hosted by Rural Radio Network’s Chad Moyer, the conversation explores the forces shaping agricultural markets, from corn and soybean supplies, global demand and trade uncertainty to cattle prices, herd inventories and feed costs.
With tight margins, changing market fundamentals and continued volatility, where could opportunities emerge, and what risks should producers be preparing for? Our guests share their perspectives on potential price trends, market signals worth watching and strategies for navigating uncertainty.
Whether you’re marketing corn and soybeans, managing a cattle operation or making financial decisions for your farm or ranch, this conversation offers valuable insight into the forces that could shape agriculture in 2027.
2:00-2:45 p.m.
» Grazing the Good Life: Virtual Fence in Nebraska
Kaitlyn Dozler-German, Virtual Fence Grazing Program Manager | University of Missouri (MU) Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Marissa Eekoff, Virtual Fence Program Field Specialist | University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
This talk will cover the fundamental producers should know when considering adopting virtual fence technology. Attendees will learn how the technology works, companies on the market, cost-share programs, and producer experiences using the technology.
Thursday, December 10
10:00-10:45 a.m.
» 2026 Weather and Drought Recap: What to Expect in 2027
Brian Fuchs, Geoscientist/Climatologist | UNL – National Drought Mitigation Center
This talk will highlight the weather patterns that shaped the 2026 growing season and the outlook for 2027. Attendees will learn how seasonal weather trends may impact planning and decision-making for the year ahead.
11:00-11:45 a.m.
» Navigating Today’s Agricultural Economy
Jay Parsons, Professor and Director | UNL Department of Agricultural Economics and the Center for Agricultural Profitability
This talk will highlight the current agricultural economy and outlook for the year ahead. Attendees will learn about trends affecting farm income, markets, input costs, and agricultural profitability.
12:00-12:45 p.m.
» Planning for the Future: Farm & Ranch Transition Strategies
Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Profitability Extension Educator | UNL – Agricultural Economics Extension
This talk will highlight the fundamentals of farm and ranch transition planning. Attendees will learn practical strategies for succession, estate planning, retirement, and preparing the next generation.
About the Nebraska Ag Expo
The Nebraska Ag Expo is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA). The 2026 Expo is generously supported by Diamond Sponsors: Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Gold Sponsors: Stine Seed Company and Sukup Manufacturing Company; Silver Sponsors: Nebraska Farm Bureau, Spraytec, and TractorHouse/AuctionTime; and Bronze Sponsors: IronHorse Land Company, and GRANIT PARTS, USA.
Contact
Cindy Feldman, Marketing Director
Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA)
M: 515.508.1313 | E: cindyf@ineda.com
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