Nominations Close February 10th for 3rd Annual Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism

Jan 30, 2023

The BRANDT Foundation and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are accepting nominations for the third Glen "GB" Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism, a prize established to honor the memory of Glen "GB" Brandt, a legendary figure in the field of Illinois agriculture. The prize will recognize an Illinois farmer who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.The $10,000 cash prize will be awarded to a nominee who demonstrates a high level of creativity, a passion for agriculture, and a vision to change the future. The recipient may use the prize-money on their farm as they wish. The winner will be announced and recognized at the AgTech Innovation Summit, an annual event produced by the University of Illinois Research Park, on March 7, 2023."GB was an extraordinary person who attacked life with optimism and built a global business from very humble roots," said Rick Brandt, President of The BRANDT Foundation. "We're looking to help someone who shares GB's passion for ag, demonstrates a high level of creativity and has a vision to change the future."Nominations are being accepted until February 10th for the prize. Eligible nominees include Illinois growers who are linked with the University of Illinois or its affiliates. Examples of affiliations include:

University of Illinois Alumni
Conducting field trials or other research with the University
Working with a University of Illinois Extension office
A family with a student enrolled at the University of Illinois who is involved in modernizing the family farm
Involved in the University of Illinois startup ecosystem
Working with University of Illinois startups as a testbed location for AgTech
Farming University of Illinois farmland and applying innovative practices or technology

The nomination form is now open and the deadline for submission is February 10, 2023. To nominate yourself or another Illinois grower, please visit https://go.illinois.edu/GlenBrandtAgInnovationPrize.

Source : BRANDT

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.