A national farm organization recognizes and awards two Iowa-based businesses.
The American Farm Bureau Federation selected SwineTech, Inc., of Oskaloosa, Iowa, as one of four finalist for the 2018 Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Chosen from 471 applicants, SwineTech, Inc. received $15,000 and advances to the next phase of the challenge.
American Farm Bureau vice president Juila Anna Potts says the challenge helps entrepreneurs from rural communities overcome hurdles, such as lack of capital and limited access to training and business networks.
?We also want to show that the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship is alive in rural America. We can strengthen rural communities by investing in good ideas and business such as the ones we are recognizing,? Potts said.
The four finalists will compete in a live competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation?s 99th annual convention in Nashville. Teams will vie for Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year and People?s Choice award.
The Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year will receive an additional $15,000, for a total of $30,000 in prize money and the People?s Choice award winner will receive an additional $10,000, for a total of $20,000 in prize money.
The organization also recognized SaleRing, of Ames, Iowa, as ?Best Ag Technology Startup.? SaleRing received $10,000 in startup funds, along with five other best-in-show winners.
