The top prize for the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Innovation Challenge is a total of $30,000, but winner Dana Mohr, CEO and founder of HydroSide Systems LLC, said the recognition that comes with it is just as valuable.

“Right out of the gate, it gives us credibility. You can’t put a price tag on that. And, we’ve been very blessed to even get this far, let alone to take home the top prize,” said Mohr, a Farm Bureau member from Idaho.

HydroSide Systems LLC won the sixth annual Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, becoming the 2020 Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year. AFBF, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced the winner earlier this month at AFBF’s 101st Annual Convention.

HydroSide Systems LLC produces hydroelectric irrigation technologies that provide cost-effective solutions for small to mid-size farms. The system automates wheel lines and hose reels so farmers can ensure their crops get the right water at the right time.

“Our basic product is a replacement to the traveling gun and it’s a product that can be plugged into a wheel line for farmers using those methods of irrigation. Water comes into the system and will spin a turbine. That turbine charges batteries, and then those batteries will power our onboard computer and navigation system, as well as our electric drives,” Mohr explained.

Hear Mohr explain how his system works, as well as how the idea evolved during a discussion with his brother about creating a more efficient irrigation system.

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