Calling Ag innovators! $100K challenge seeks solutions

Jun 11, 2024

Farm Bureau Extends application deadline for Ag startup competition

By Farms.com

Attention U.S. agricultural entrepreneurs! The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has extended the application deadline for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national competition awards startups creating solutions for challenges faced by American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

The grand prize winner receives $100,000, the runner-up gets $25,000, and two finalists receive $10,000 each. Farm Bureau offers a total of $145,000 in startup funding.

After the application period closes on June 22nd, 10 semi-finalists will be chosen and announced in September. These teams will compete virtually for a spot in the final four.

The final four will present their ideas live at the AFBF Convention in January 2025, competing for the top prize and runner-up title.

The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a great opportunity for agribusiness startups to gain recognition, funding, and exposure to industry leaders. Recent winners include Barn Owl Precision Agriculture (2024) and NORDEF (2023).

For eligibility details, application guidelines, and past winner information, visit fb.org/challenge. While not required for initial application, becoming a Farm Bureau member is necessary for semi-finalists.

Don't miss this chance to win big and make a difference in American agriculture! Apply by June 22nd!

Video: Air Command Section Control for Pro-Force Spreaders

This patented section control system uses air to divert material on to different areas of the spinner disks for precise 4-section control, for an economical design by eliminating the need for added conveyor belts or movable spreader components. The section control uses the Raven RCM ISOBUS controller and a customer’s field boundary and coverage map to automatically turn off any of the four sections at any time to avoid applying valuable fertilizer in areas where it’s not needed.

This results in fertilizer savings which means more money in your pocket for a maximum Return On Investment. The powerful blower fan sends air through a 4-section manifold while the conveyor automatically speeds up or slows down as sections are turned on or off for consistent and precise fertilizer application.

• The revolutionary patented Air Command section control utilizes a pneumatic system to accurately place fertilizer onto the spinner disks to give you individualized 4-section control of your spread pattern.

• Pinpoint accuracy of four individual sections allows you to operate the system with ease. This robust design with few moving parts offers no gimmicks, just real-world results.

• The new Air Command section control option is available on pull-type models 2250 and 1850 with the new PTO drive system, and on 1450, 1250 and 1050 pull-type models with standard single hydraulics.

• Continue to do it all with the Unverferth pull-type Pro-Force Spreader. Use the Air Command section control for spreading fertilizer and in-seeding applications, while converting to single-section lime or litter application in a matter of minute