Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 2024 Ag Innovation Challenge, a competition for state startup businesses developing innovative solutions for farmers, ranchers and rural communities, will accept applications through Nov. 8. Farm Bureau partners with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas to sponsor the annual statewide contest.
Challenge applicants must represent a for-profit business and submit a business plan, business pitch, product images and other assets for review. Judges will review all applications and select five semifinalists to present Dec. 5 at the Arkansas Farm Bureau annual meeting, with a winner and runner-up announced at the meeting in Hot Springs.
“We’re excited to see what Arkansas-based companies are investing in solutions that serve agriculture,” says Will Hopkins, director of local affairs and rural development at Arkansas Farm Bureau. “Bringing back this competition for a second year is one way we continue to build community for our members, as evidenced by last year’s winner.”
Anvil Metals & Fabrication (AMF) of Baxter County won the inaugural contest in 2023. The AMF team patented a tractor bucket attachment with folding forks, hay spikes, brush guards and other tools for use on farms and in rural areas. AMF was founded in 2022 by Rob Conner, Cody Marquis and Damian Schilling after Conner and his wife purchased a welding shop in Gassville. Rob Conner volunteers as the career technical education coordinator for Mountain Home Public Schools and his two co-founders are former students turned business partners.
Cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded, with the winner receiving $7,500 and the runner-up earning $5,000. There will also be a People’s Choice award winner to be awarded $2,500.
Entrepreneurs entering the contest must be 18 and a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau.
The Ag Innovation Challenge application can be found here. For more information, please contact Will Hopkins at 501-414-6093 or Will.Hopkins@arfb.com.