By Andi Anderson
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, has announced the top 10 enterprises selected for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge. These innovation-driven businesses will compete for a total of $145,000 in funding, including a $100,000 grand prize.
Among the semi-finalists is Indiana-based Verility Inc., a global platform that provides fertility analysis tools to help livestock producers and breeders improve reproductive performance.
Like the other competitors, Verility will present its ideas and solutions to a panel of judges in the upcoming virtual pitch round.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of innovation in agriculture, noting, “With the world around us changing at a rapid pace, there’s a near-constant need for folks to innovate in the agriculture space. Farmers and ranchers are no stranger to the need to roll up our sleeves and lean into this entrepreneurial spirit.”
The four teams that advance to the final round will each receive $10,000. Finalists will be announced on September 10 and will go on to compete on January 12 at the AFBF Convention. There, they will present in front of a live audience of Farm Bureau members, investors, and industry leaders.
The final competition will award two top titles: the Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, receiving $100,000, and the Runner-Up, receiving $25,000.
Now in its 12th year, the Ag Innovation Challenge was the first national competition focused on rural entrepreneurs launching businesses in agriculture and food. It continues to provide a platform for innovation and growth in the ag sector.
The program is made possible by sponsors including Farm Credit, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and T-Mobile. Together, these partners help spotlight and support the future of agriculture through entrepreneurship.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Indiana, General