At the recent National Association of Broadcaster’s convention, Farm Director KC Sheperd had the chance to visit with the American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Communications, Terri Moore. Sheperd and Moore talk about the Farm Dog of the Year contest and the Ag Innovation Challenge.
Moore said the Farm Dog of the Year contest has connected pet lovers who may not know about agriculture to the farming and ranching community.
The Farm Dog of the Year contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America. Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Purina.
The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2024. Up to three regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money.
“We have reached almost half a million people over just a couple of years with that contest because people love to vote for their favorite dog,” Moore said. “We encourage people to do it. We have the videos online right now, so cast your vote.”
Moore also talked about the value of the Ag Innovation Challenge.
The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition that showcases U.S. startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The Challenge was the first national business competition of its kind focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs.
Now in their tenth year, the American Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with Farm Credit, are looking to identify the top entrepreneurs who are addressing both traditional challenges farmers face on their operation, such as access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, to entrepreneurs who are addressing new challenges facing farmers and rural communities.
Farm Bureau will award $165,000 in startup funds to ten businesses, culminating at a live pitch competition and networking event at the AFBF Convention in January 2024 in Salt Lake City, UT. The Ag Innovation Challenge Winner will be awarded $50,000 in startup funds provided by sponsors.
“We are going to need more innovation in agriculture to meet the future and all the needs and demands,” Moore said. “The other thing is, we love that these entrepreneurs are solving problems for farmers.”
