Beer launched for Farm Progress Show

The Farm Progress Show launches an exclusive American Lager in partnership with Illinois-based Riggs Beer Company, available now at the brewery and select locations, ahead of the show's 20th anniversary at its permanent biennial Decatur site. 

The beer features Illinois-grown grains and hops and will be available at the 2025 Farm Progress Show, scheduled for Aug. 26-28 in Decatur. Advance tickets cost $15 plus fees, with gate admission priced at $25.

The Farm Progress Show American Lager showcases Riggs-grown six-row barley and ultra-low oil white corn, creating a balanced 5% alcohol beer with light corn sweetness and subtle nuttiness. Each can features a QR code allowing consumers to purchase show tickets directly.

"We're thrilled to team up with Riggs Beer Company for our first beer collaboration," said Matt Jungmann, senior director of national events for Farm Progress. "This partnership connects two Illinois icons in a meaningful way while celebrating both our agricultural heritage and innovation."

Farm-to-Glass Availability

The beer will be available on draft in the Syngenta Beer Tent during show hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT daily. It is available now at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana and the following retailers, bars and restaurants in Illinois:

Retailers

• County Market, Pana

• Friar Tuck, Forsyth

• Hy-Vee, Peoria

• Harvest Market, Champaign

• Schnucks, Champaign

• Schnucks, Savoy

• Harvest Market, Springfield

Bars and Restaurants

• 48 Inn, Decatur

• Sliderz, Decatur

• Jenn's Beer Den, Decatur

• Woody's, Decatur

• Bevo's, Mount Zion

• The FourNine, Mount Zion

This collaboration highlights the growing trend of agricultural diversification and value-added farm products in the Midwest. Riggs Beer Company incorporates grain grown on their family farm and hops from small Illinois producers, demonstrating alternative revenue streams for farmers beyond traditional commodity production.

Behind the Brewers

Located in Urbana, Riggs Beer Company represents the vision of brothers Matt and Darin Riggs, fifth-generation stewards of their family's 316-acre farm established in 1874. The brewery emerged from their desire to add value to their farm-grown grain while preserving their agricultural heritage.