The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, has announced the 10 semifinalist teams in the 2019 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations in agriculture. This is the fifth year of the challenge, which is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs launching food and agricultural businesses.

“It’s a pleasure to recognize these 10 outstanding rural businesses,” AFBF president Zippy Duvall said. “Recognition of the faith, courage and creativity these entrepreneurs have shown in starting their rural businesses is well deserved. Start-up funds provided to the semifinalists through the challenge will help them take their food and agriculture businesses to the next level.”

The 10 semifinalist teams awarded $10,000 each are:

The final four teams (selected from the 10 semifinalist teams) will be announced Dec. 5 and will receive an additional $5,000 plus have all expenses paid to compete in a live pitch competition at AFBF’s 100th Annual Convention in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 13, 2019. The final four teams will compete to win:

Start-up funds for the 2019 Ag Innovation Challenge are provided by sponsors Farm Credit, John Deere, Country Financial, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Farm Bureau Bank.