WASHINGTON, D.C.: The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now entering its 13th consecutive year, the national business competition aims to spotlight and fund U.S. startup companies that are actively developing innovative solutions to the core challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Funding the Future of Agriculture
The stakes for the competition are substantial, offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds to accelerate agricultural innovation. The grand prize winner will be awarded an impressive $100,000 to scale their business operations. The runner-up will secure $25,000, while two additional finalists advancing to the top four will each receive $10,000.
“Encouraging innovation is essential to keeping American agriculture strong,” stated AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you’re building a business that can help farmers and rural communities thrive, don’t wait, apply today.”
Competition Timeline and Selection Process
Entrepreneurs have until June 5 to submit their online applications. Following a rigorous review process, 10 semi-finalist teams will be officially announced on September 2. These top 10 innovators will then participate in virtual pitch sessions, with the goal of securing a spot in the highly competitive "Final Four" round.
The competition culminates in January 2027 during the AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The final four teams will step onto the main stage for a live pitch competition in front of leading industry representatives, agricultural investors, and thousands of Farm Bureau members.
A Legacy of AgTech Success
The Ag Innovation Challenge consistently serves as a launchpad for influential companies in the AgTech sector. Recent winners include FarmMind, a platform designed to unify complex farm workflows—from GIS mapping to regulatory compliance—and Gripp, an operator-focused tool streamlining asset tracking and team communication.
In addition to the primary sponsorship from Farm Credit, the Challenge is proudly supported by top-tier industry players including Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, ClearPath, and T-Mobile.
Application Details: Prospective applicants can find comprehensive eligibility guidelines and the full competition timeline at the official challenge website. Note that entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as a top 10 semi-finalist.
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 5.