At the 2026 Farm Progress Show, Brownfield spoke with Kurt Maertens, BASF Technical Services Representative for Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, about what farmers can see at the BASF exhibit and what he hopes they take away from it.

The exhibit showcases the breadth of BASF technology and highlights a strong pipeline of products being developed to meet the changing needs of farmers. BASF, one of the world's largest chemical companies, is a major supplier of agricultural solutions, including crop protection products, seed, and digital farming tools. Its agricultural division is part of a broader competitive landscape in crop inputs, where major developers have continued investing in new product pipelines even as growers face pressure from resistant weeds and pests, evolving weather patterns, and shifting regulatory conditions.

For Maertens, the takeaway is about more than simply seeing new products—it's about understanding the full range of tools available to help farmers manage challenges in their fields. Trade shows like this serve as a venue where farmers can compare offerings from multiple input providers in one place before making decisions for the next growing season.

Given such a broad portfolio, Brownfield asked Maertens which area of BASF technology matters most to him and to the customers he serves. His answer: crop protection. Having a strong portfolio of crop protection products available to farmers is critical, and Maertens explains why those tools remain an important part of helping growers protect yield potential and make the most of every acre. For farmers evaluating their options, the details of what's in a company's development pipeline can indicate which new modes of action or product categories may reach fields in coming seasons.

The Farm Progress Show is one of the largest outdoor agricultural trade shows in the United States, held annually in Illinois and Iowa in alternating years, drawing exhibitors and farmers from across the country to view new equipment, technology, and crop input offerings.

The article, by Cyndi Young-puyear and published September 4, 2026, includes audio of the full conversation: Listen to the conversation