WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo Begins Feb. 8

Feb 07, 2025

The Western Illinois University Ag Mech Farm Expo is back for its 53rd year, running Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8-9 at Western Hall, presented by the WIU School of Agriculture - Agricultural Mechanization Club.

One of the largest student-run events in the country, The WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo will include displays of farm tractors, machinery, agricultural sales and service, emerging ag technology, livestock and crop supplies, conservation and agriculture structures. There will also be a variety of craft vendors upstairs in Western Hall, as well as free children's activities, including a bouncy house, face painting and glitter tattoos.

The show runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9.

Exhibitors can register for the event until 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at this link.

Rows A1-F1, west of the west gate, in Q Lot will be closed for the Ag Mech Farm Expo, through Sunday, Feb. 9. All other areas of Q Lot will be open for normal use.

Source : wiu.edu

Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.