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Nominate your favorite Illinois ag entrepreneur

The application deadline for the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism is Feb. 15.

February 8, 2022

2 Min Read
tractor pulling grain cart around field at sunset
AG ENTREPRENEUR: Ryan Atherton, a member of the Class of 2023 Cultivating Master Farmers, uses entrepreneurship and new technologies as a young farmer working to advance his farm operation. Holly Spangler

Know of an Illinois farmer, producer or grower who uses entrepreneurism and innovation to advance his or her operation and agriculture? Consider nominating that person for the Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism.

The award was established in 2021 in memory of GB Brandt, a legendary individual in Illinois agriculture who died in 2020. He was the son of a Sangamon County, Ill., farmer, and with vision and energy, he started the company now known as Brandt with his sister Evelyn.

“GB was an extraordinary person who attacked life with optimism and built a global business from very humble roots,” says Rick Brandt, president of the Brandt Foundation. “We’re looking to help someone who shares GB’s passion for ag, demonstrates a high level of creativity and has a vision to change the future.”

The University of Illinois and the Brandt Foundation have partnered to make this honor possible. And the prize is $10,000 for the winner to use on their farm as they see fit.

Check out the following details when selecting an entrepreneur to nominate:

  • must be an Illinois farmer, grower, producer or someone who use innovations such as new technology application, new crops or new food production systems to advance agriculture  

  • must be one of the following: U of I alumni, involved with U of I research or field trials, work with a U of I Extension office, have a U of I student involved with modernizing the family farm, involved with the U of I startup ecosystem, interact with U of I as an ag-tech testbed location, or farm U of I farmland with innovative practices or technology.

Online nominations are due Feb. 15. The award winner will be announced and recognized on March 9 at the AgTech Innovation Summit.

Source: University of Illinois, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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