Farm Bureau this week named the ten semi-finalists that will compete in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Among the finalists is Appanoose Manufactured Products, which is based in Moulton, Iowa. American Farm Bureau Director of Industry Relations, Chase Hieneman, said each team of entrepreneurs will compete for startup funding.
“We’re super excited to have announced the top ten semifinalists for the American Farm Bureau’s Ag Innovation Challenge,” Hieneman said. “We’ve had a really great crop of companies from the applicants who submitted applications for this coveted program now in the 10th year, and I’m really excited to get them to Convention to compete for much-needed capital to help expand their businesses.”
Hieneman said the program offers competitors valuable training and insights, as well as networking and exposure.
“We have some partners that are going to provide some pitch training through Cornell University,” Hieneman said. “We have some opportunities for them to engage with potential funders at Convention. They will be able to connect with our members and then of course, they’ll compete for up to $165,000 in award money that will help them expand their businesses and continue to provide those services and products.”
Hieneman added that the Ag Innovation Challenge highlights unique and creative ideas in agriculture.
“The agriculture sector is a sector that’s full of innovative ideas and people are really trying to meet the challenges not only that farmers and ranchers are facing, but the entire planet is facing,” Hieneman said. “And we’re very thankful for our partners to helping us highlight these innovative companies, Farm Credit being our major partner, as well as our sponsors, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and T-Mobile.”
The ten semi-finalist teams are being awarded $10,000 each. Learn more about the semi-finalists at fb.org/challenge.
