The Zipline: Leading the way with agricultural innovation

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in Farm Bureau is the chance to see, firsthand, how farmers and ranchers across the country are developing and implementing new innovative solutions as we work together to feed, fuel and clothe the world.

These solutions are the driving force behind the resilience of American agriculture, and it’s important to recognize and celebrate the agricultural businesses that help get us there.

Just as the businesses in our communities rely on us, we must also rely on them, working hand-in-hand toward one common mission.

That is why nearly a decade ago, Farm Bureau created the Ag Innovation Challenge, a national business competition that showcases startups and their innovative solutions to meet challenges on the farm.

Launched in 2014, this competition was the first of its kind to focus on rural entrepreneurs. Now, thanks to a strategic partnership with Farm Credit and the support of our sponsors, we’ve been able to invest more than $1.3 million in ag businesses over the past 10 years.

This week, we announced the top 10 teams in the 2024 Ag Innovation Challenge. They represent various regions of the country and will now advance in the challenge, with $10,000 each to invest in their businesses.

Each of these businesses focuses on helping farmers and ranchers solve the challenges we’re facing both today and tomorrow.

Many of the companies selected this year are working toward advancements in farm safety and efficiency. For instance, in Iowa, Appanoose Manufactured Products found a solution to reduce on-the-farm fires by designing a portable device that provides on-the-ground fire suppression resources.

In Nebraska, Idem Irrigation is developing a precision irrigation system for targeted water, fertilizer and pesticide delivery to improve water management. In California, UAV-IQ Precision Agriculture has designed a drone system for precise aerial releases of beneficial insects and mites to combat harmful pests.

Others are working in the field of animal agriculture to promote animal health and well-being. In Indiana, ReproHealth Technologies is enhancing bovine reproduction efficiency with a device for advanced continuous embryo culture media.

Udder Ways LLC, in New York, is improving sanitization for dairy cows with a new system to sanitize and prepare udders for milking. And in Texas, Smooth Ag is improving overall pasture management with autonomous robots that monitor livestock and alert farmers when health problems arise.

Lastly, several competitors have developed solutions for small and beginning farmers to grow their businesses. Anu, in Indiana, designed a Keurig-style device enabling consumers to grow their own produce at home.

In Washington state, Share Farms has established a platform connecting minority, women and veteran farmers directly with potential buyers.

In Colorado, Barn Owl Precision Agriculture is supporting small and midsize farms with its autonomous robot that assists in planting, soil sampling, weed control and spraying.

And lastly, in North Carolina, Secret Garden Bees is boosting the pollinator population and providing reintegration opportunities for veterans through their bee and honey operation.

These semifinalists can now take their innovations to the next level as they advance through the competition and build their networks.

Next they will participate in pitch training from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business and work directly with representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Investment Companies.

Then, in January, they will join us at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City to compete in the final rounds of the challenge on our trade show floor. I hope you will join me there to cheer them on.

No matter who ends up taking home the top prize, we are excited for how these hardworking entrepreneurs are shaping the future.

Their innovations, like many we have seen over the past decade, will help strengthen agriculture and lead us into new frontiers.