Ag Innovation Challenge open for applications

The American Farm Bureau Federation's Ag Innovation Challenge seeks rural entrepreneurs who could win as much as $50,000 for their startup businesses.

The challenge is intended as a showcase for rural startups seeking to address issues facing farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Emma Larson, AFBF assistant director of industry relations, said the challenge presents an opportunity for startups to get noticed.

"The Ag innovation Challenge provides entrepreneurs across the nation the exposure at a national level for our convention in January, the ability to network with agribusinesses, the rural business investment community within the USDA," Larson said. "We're really excited to offer them those opportunities, in addition to the funds that they can invest into their businesses, into their communities, scale up and really make an impact."

A total of $165,000 in startup funds will be awarded to 10 businesses.

"The Ag Innovation Challenge winner will be awarded $50,000 and some bragging rights," Larson said.

The contest has added a second-place runner-up, who will win $20,000, and the People's Choice team, which is selected by a public vote and will win an additional $5,000, she said.

Entrants must be U.S. for-profit companies and must be Farm Bureau members. Deadline to enter is Aug. 20. Semifinalists will be announced in October, and the top 10 will compete at the AFBF Annual Convention in January.

For more information and to sign up, go to fb.org/challenge.