The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. 

The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, Jan. 9-14, 2026. Retired Army Col. Joe Ricker of Indiana was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence last year. 

Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence applications are due by 4 p.m. central time on Sept. 2. The recipient will be notified in mid-September, with the winner announced publicly on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Learn more and apply at www.fb.org.