Applications Open for 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence

The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities.

The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 8-12.

“We’re proud to shine a spotlight on veterans for their service to our nation and their meaningful contributions to agriculture and their communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices of veterans and active duty service members who protect our freedoms, and we’re pleased to honor their continued service to our country in agriculture.”

Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Rutter of South Carolina was the recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence last year. Rutter served 22 years in the Army, where his service included leading intelligence operations across Europe and the Middle East. Rutter co-founded the nonprofit Project Victory Gardens to help veterans transition to civilian life with renewed purpose and hands-on agricultural skills. He also developed Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally recognized training program for veterans interested in learning about agriculture.

Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 1. Applicants are not required to be Farm Bureau members. The national award recipient will be recognized by AFBF through various outlets and should be willing to share their story and represent the veteran farmer community. The recipient will be notified in mid-September, with the winner being recognized publicly on Veterans Day – Nov. 11. Learn more and apply here.