The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is seeking entrepreneurs to apply for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 11th year, the national business competition showcases U.S. start-up companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in start-up funds, double the contest’s previous top prize. The runner-up will be awarded $25,000, and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“Imagine what $100,000 could do for your business,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We’ve doubled the prize and doubled the impact.”

Last year, Appanoose Manufactured Products continued a strong record of performance by Iowa companies in the AFBF competition with a top four finish. Iowa companies have won the top prize four times.

Online applications are due by June 15 at www.fb.org/challenge. Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence.

Following a pitch-off by the top 10 finalists, the final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2025 in San Antonio.

Other contest sponsors include Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile.

Last year’s Ag Innovation Challenge winner was Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, a company that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples. 

Other examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at fb.org/challenge.