Meet the 2027 Ag Innovation Challenge Finalists

Innovation has always been part of agriculture because no two days and no two challenges are exactly alike. Farmers and ranchers are constantly looking for practical ways to protect their animals, manage their resources, improve their bottom lines, and make the most of every hour in the day. The finalists in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge are tackling those needs from different angles, with business solutions that could make a real difference for farms and rural communities.

Ag Innovation Challenge Invests in Rural Entrepreneurs

The Ag Innovation Challenge, through a partnership between Farm Bureau and Farm Credit, gives agricultural entrepreneurs support and resources to move their businesses forward. This year, Farm Bureau is awarding $145,000 in startup funds throughout the competition. Ten semifinalists pitched their businesses to a panel of judges, and four advanced to the final round. Each finalist has already earned $10,000 and will compete for a top prize of $100,000 at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. These opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Google, T-Mobile and ClearPath.

The value of this competition goes beyond prize money. It gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect directly with farmers, ranchers and leaders across agriculture. Those conversations help innovators strengthen their ideas while giving farmers an early look at tools designed with their farm businesses in mind.

Four Innovations Solving On-Farm Challenges

This year’s finalists are addressing needs that touch nearly every part of agriculture, from animal health and irrigation to energy and farm finances.

Seismi of Nebraska is developing sensors that monitor livestock vital signs and alert farmers to potential health concerns before visible symptoms appear. Earlier detection can give farmers more time to act, protect animal health and reduce losses.

Swinergy of Minnesota is working to make renewable energy solutions more accessible to small- and medium-sized livestock farms. Its modular system turns manure and other biomass waste into renewable natural gas, creating the potential for added farm revenue while benefiting rural communities.

Good Agriculture of Georgia helps farmers manage the business side of their operations. Its services include bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, and information about grant opportunities, giving farmers a clearer picture of where their businesses stand, and more time to focus on the farm.

Nave Analytics of Nebraska provides irrigation information without requiring sensors in the field. Its technology gives farmers a more complete look at soil moisture across their fields, helping them make timely irrigation decisions and get the most from every drop of water.

These four companies are working on very different challenges, but they share an important goal: helping farmers and ranchers operate more efficiently to build stronger businesses.

Innovation Must Work for Farmers

Farmers are willing to embrace new ideas, but technology must prove its value on the farm. It needs to be practical, dependable, and worth the investment—especially at a time when farm families are closely watching every dollar. That is what makes the Ag Innovation Challenge so valuable. It brings innovators and farmers together, helping ensure new tools are shaped by the people who will use them. It also gives promising rural businesses the support and visibility they need to grow.

The final four will pitch their businesses live on Sunday, Jan. 10, at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention. I look forward to seeing their ideas take center stage and watching how these entrepreneurs continue to turn everyday challenges into new opportunities for agriculture.