Apply by June 9 for Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge

The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking entrepreneurs to apply for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.

Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup 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 startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

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 2026 in Anaheim, CA, to win:
• Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
• Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include Gripp (2025 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner and FEMA member since 2023), which offers farmers an operator-centric way to keep records of assets in combination with communication tools to keep everyone connected and Barn Owl Precision Agriculture (2024 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner), that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 9.

Source: RuralRadio.com