Semifinalists selected for Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge; finalists get cash awards

Semifinalists for the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge have been announced. Created by the American Farm Bureau Federation and Georgetown University, the challenge allows rural farmers and entrepreneurs the chance to showcase new business ideas and innovation. Four finalists receive $15,000, while the Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award gets an additional $15,000 and the Peoples' Choice Award winner another $10,000. Winners will be announced in January at the AFBF 96th Annual Convention. (Read more)

Semifinalists:

ATP-SC (Allendale, S.C.), a process to convert plant and wood biomass into bio-products. Team lead: Joe James.

Branches, Inc. (Neosho, Mo.), an online, STEM-based learning platform that teaches design and fabrication. Team lead: David Parsons.

Fergus Foods (Fergus Falls, Minn.), a rural food entrepreneur incubator and rental facility. Team lead: Robert Fuglie.

Mobile Rural Veterinary Clinic (Panhandle, Texas), a mobile veterinary satellite clinic serving rural communities. Team lead: Joe Hillhouse.

Pasturebird, LLC (Temecula, Calif.), a cost-effective method of producing pastured poultry on a large scale. Team lead: Paul Greive.

Pulaski Grow (Pulaski, Va.), an aquaponics facility to provide local youth with job training. Team lead: Lee Spiegel.

ScoutPro (Lone Tree, Iowa), software to assist farmers with crop maintenance. Team lead: Michael Koenig.

Senior Move Management (Palmyra, Mo.), customized moving and relocation services for older Americans. Team lead: Suzanne Ellerbrock.

Shelf Life (Arlington, Tenn.), a hydroponic growing system for small producers. Team lead: Glenn Cunningham.

StopFlood Appliance Systems (Inkom, Idaho), a product to prevent floods caused by washing machine hose failures. Team lead: Brent Singley.