DECATUR, Ill. (Aug. 5, 2025) – 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.
“We knew from a young age that we were going to have to get creative to keep our farm financially secure and independently owned,” said Matt Riggs, co-owner of Riggs Beer Company. “We couldn’t afford to scale in the commodity game, so we wanted to go a different direction.”
Both brothers built strong credentials before founding Riggs Beer Company. Matt, a former Marine officer, trained at Germany’s Faust Brewery and Munich’s Domens Academy. Darin, after serving as a Navy submarine officer, attended brewing school in California and worked at Anheuser-Busch.
“We wanted to showcase these Central Illinois-grown grains and hopefully inspire other farmers to think about what they can do outside the box to diversify,” Riggs said.
For more information, visit www.farmprogressshow.com.
Farm Progress Show beer is an American Lager manufactured and sold by Riggs Beer Company, Urbana IL. For more information, contact Riggs Beer Company at www.riggsbeer.com or email info@riggsbeer.com. This advertisement is presented by Informa, which is not a licensed alcohol beverage manufacturer or seller. Please drink responsibly.
About the Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show, one of the largest outdoor agricultural events in the United States, takes place annually in Decatur, Illinois, and Boone, Iowa, on alternating years. This industry-leading exhibition attracts a wide audience of farmers and professionals from across the world. With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest farming innovations, equipment and technology, the three-day event features dynamic field demonstrations and comprehensive educational opportunities for the global agricultural community. For more information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com.
About Farm Progress
As part of Informa Markets, Farm Progress is the largest, most diversified agriculture information business in North America. Through a robust network of live events, digital products, data, marketing services, broadcasting and local and national publications, Farm Progress enables the nation’s most economically significant farmers, growers and ranchers to connect and do business. It serves 80% of the 2 million farms and ranches in the U.S., and an estimated 85% of the nation’s annual agricultural gross domestic product. Visit our website at www.FarmProgress.com.
