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: New Solution Powers Efficient Pork Growth

Alltech has introduced Olerix, an innovative phytogenic blend created to promote growth and feed efficiency in pigs. Through a proprietary coating process, the bioactive blend of phytogenic compounds used in Olerix is designed to outlast the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent outcomes from feed to finish. The result is a high-impact efficiency solution that provides consistent support for gut health, feed efficiency, immune function and growth performance. Olerix is backed by validated trials conducted under modern pork production conditions.

“As the industry searches for technology to drive profitability forward in a more sustainable manner, we’re thrilled to join that effort with our Olerix technology,” said Mark Hulsebus, general manager for U.S. pork at Alltech. “Our work in this phytogenic space is yielding very encouraging results, and we’re excited to make this new opportunity available to pork producers focused on optimizing feed efficiency and growth rates.”

“Olerix represents the next generation of phytogenic technology — combining feed efficiency, livability and immune support into a practical commercial solution producers can implement today,” said Andy Rash, U.S. monogastric director at Alltech.