It's all about Ag at the Farmer's Showcase

The Loman-Ray Farmer's Showcase is a Central Illinois conference built for farmers and those in the ag industry. It's a jam-packed morning of seminars led by industry experts in agriculture.

WHEN:        January 22nd, 2026

- Check-in at 8am | Program starting at 8:30am

- Event concludes with lunch at 12:15pm

Schedule

Arrive ready to learn and have a good time! We have some great presentations scheduled that are catered toward the farmer and agribusiness audience. You will have time to stretch your legs and refill your coffee during breaks between sessions. All food is included with admission.

Speakers

We are excited to bring some fantastic speakers to the 2026 Farmer's Showcase. Attendees will leave the event armed with new insights to help them make better decisions for their farm operations.

Steve Maulberger

Divisional Vice President, Strategic Team

Great American Insurance Group

Steve is not your average cookie cutter run of the mill presenter, but strives to be a motivational speaker that educates and informs audiences on what is happening today to help prepare for what is next. His focus is on Agribusiness, technology, the future, risk management, interpreting global macro trends and grain marketing with crop insurance. His expertise is not limited to Agriculture but also includes global markets, insurance, lending, capital markets, energy, and finance. He has 37 years of vast experience that includes being the managing director for a multi-million dollar, Global Trading Company with operations in 62 countries, over 2000 employees and profitability in the hundreds of millions. Today, he is part of an executive team that manages a division of Great American Insurance Group that focuses on helping innovative Ag Producers manage risk and link up with the right partners to maximize profitability. He has lived in South America and the European Union and today resides in Central Illinois with his wife and family.

KYLE EMKES

Attorney

Maatuka AI-Heeti Emkes Law Firm

Kyle Emkes is an attorney whose practice spans a wide range of legal services, with particular expertise in estate and succession planning for families, farmers, and business owners. His work includes wills, trusts, Special Needs planning, farm and business succession, and real estate and agricultural law. Kyle also advises clients on business formation, probate, and trust administration, bringing a comprehensive understanding of both personal and commercial legal needs.

A University of Illinois graduate, Kyle earned his B.S. while competing in Cross Country and Track & Field for the Fighting Illini. He went on to attend Ave Maria School of Law before returning to the University of Illinois for his final year, gaining experience in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics compliance office and the Office of University Counsel. His background combines legal acumen with a lifelong connection to the Illinois community and its agricultural roots.

Brooks York

Director of Producer Services

AgriSompo

Brooks York serves as the Director of Producer Services at AgriSompo North America, where he merges his extensive background in commercial grain merchandising and marketing with his deep understanding of crop insurance. This unique combination allows him to offer producers innovative strategies that connect risk management with smarter marketing decisions.

A frequent contributor to ASNA Edge Daily, Brooks is known for his colorful, insightful commentary on agricultural markets and trends. He travels across the country to educate both agents and producers, helping them navigate the evolving ag landscape with clarity and confidence. Outside of AgriSompo, Brooks and his family operate a small row crop farm, giving him firsthand perspective on the real-world challenges and opportunities farmers face every day.

Kathleen Bjerke

Regional Sales Manager

Farmers Mutual Hall

Kathleen Bjerke currently serves Farmers Mutual Hail as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region. She and her team cover Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado Oklahoma and Wyoming. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s in business marketing and a master’s in business administration. She started with FMH in 2020 and has assisted FMH in various sales roles. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, golfing, hunting and baking.

Sponsors

Thank you to our event sponsors; this day wouldn't be possible without their support.

Breakfast Sponsor	Lunch Sponsor
Venue Sponsor	Event Sponsor