PTx Winter Conference to spotlight practical precision farming tools in Illinois

USA – AGCO will host the PTx Winter Conference from January 20 to January 23, 2026, in Tremont, Illinois, bringing together farmers, agronomists, industry experts, and media for four days of focused discussion on precision agriculture and on farm use of data driven tools.

This event marks the first Winter Conference held under the PTx brand, which brings together Precision Planting and PTx Trimble.

The conference will focus on practical tools for planting, spraying, and water management, with strong attention on systems that farmers can add to existing equipment.

PTx President Brian Sorbe said the conference will focus on real results rather than theory. “The 2026 Winter Conference brings together innovators and experts to showcase the practical, innovative solutions that are transforming farming economics and empowering growers to achieve more with less,” Sorbe said. “Farmers, trade and business media and investors will all find useful information that will surprise and excite them about the future of agriculture.”

The program includes five sessions led by 13 PTx employees. Each day will feature technology demonstrations, including tools shown publicly for the first time. Company leaders and farmers will take part in open discussions, giving media direct access to those using the systems in the field.

Research, returns, and retrofit focus

A major feature of the conference will be findings from multi year research at Precision Planting’s PTI Farm. The research shows how nutrient management strategies can improve returns on fertilizer spending, a key concern as input costs remain high.

Sessions will also focus on retrofit upgrades that require smaller capital outlays while still improving efficiency. Organizers said this approach responds directly to pressure on farm cash flow during the current downturn in the farm economy.

Farmers attending the conference will take part in hands on learning focused on precision spraying, soil fertility, and planter setup. Live demonstrations will show how data driven automation supports better decision making at the farm level.

After the main sessions on January 20 and January 21, farmers can attend an evening event at the Peoria Civic Center hosted by Fendt from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. The event will show how PTx technology integrates into Fendt equipment and software systems. Admission to the Fendt event is free US$0.

PTx operates as AGCO’s technology division, serving farmers through Precision Planting and PTx Trimble, while AGCO reported net sales of about US$11.7 billion in 2024.

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