The 2025 AgTech Connect Conference, hosted by the Combine, brought together producers, entrepreneurs, investors and federal officials in Lincoln Wednesday for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of agriculture — one shaped by technology, global collaboration and growing cybersecurity threats.
“Agriculture is personal to me,” said Combine Director Brendan Costello, who took on the role two months ago. “It’s made me who I am, and it’s made me very excited to be part of an organization like the Combine focused on moving forward ag technology in the state.”
Costello said the Combine has helped more than 40 agtech startups raise over $40 million in venture capital and grants since its founding in 2019. The conference, he said, is about the opportunity to connect around agriculture and technology.
FBI: “Agricultural security is national security”
Eugene Kowel, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Omaha field office, delivered one of the day’s most serious keynotes, alerting to an increase in cyber and biological dangers targeting America’s food system…