The Spirit of Ag Innovation

Farmers and ranchers have long been leaders in adopting innovation—from integrating new technology to embracing creative solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability. The spirit of innovation is what helps drive agriculture forward, and it’s why Farm Bureau in partnership with Farm Credit launched the Ag Innovation Challenge.

Now in its 12^th year, the Ag Innovation Challenge gives Farm Bureau members a front-row seat to the latest in agricultural innovation. The Challenge also provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, connect directly with farmers and ranchers, and compete for a grand prize of $100,000. Thanks to support from sponsors including Farm Credit, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile, we have been able to invest more than $1.6 million in agricultural businesses since the Ag Innovation Challenge began. This kind of investment not only helps entrepreneurs in the early stages of business but also gives them a platform to expand their market and take their business to the next level.

How the Ag Innovation Challenge Works

Every year, we receive impressive applications. Entrepreneurs across the country are bringing bold ideas with the potential to create lasting impacts on our farms, ranches and rural communities. For the rigorous judging process, we bring together experts from across the agricultural supply chain to help narrow down the competition to 10 semi-finalists. The climax of the competition comes at the American Farm Bureau Convention, where the Final Four take to the Cultivation Center Stage to pitch their businesses to judging panel in front of a live audience, all in hopes of winning the grand prize.

The Impact of the Ag Innovation Challenge

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Challenge is seeing our past winners thrive. Last year’s winner, Gripp,developed a user-friendly platform, which helps farmers track assets, streamline team communication, and keep everything running smoothly. From office to field, Gripp’s solution keeps farmers connected and in control. It’s only been a few months since Gripp won the 2025 Challenge, but they have already used their prize money and national exposure to springboard their business, build credibility and expand their reach. And just like many of our other past winners, Gripp shared that one of the greatest benefits of the competition was the practice of sharing their brand and building relationships along the way.

The 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge

The applications for the 2026 Ag Innovation challenge are now open, and I personally can’t wait to see the next group of groundbreaking business ideas. If you know a rural entrepreneur with an idea that could change agriculture, encourage them to apply. You can also visit the Ag Innovation Challenge page to learn more about the competition and see the incredible innovation from our past winners.

Farm Bureau is proud to lead the Ag Innovation Challenge as a launchpad for innovation. By supporting agricultural entrepreneurs, we are helping bring their innovative solutions to farmers and ranchers across the country—empowering agriculture to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.