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American Farm Bureau Seeks Applicants for 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence
From the battlefields to the fields, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is calling on U.S. veterans and active‑duty service members to apply for its 2027 Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award honors those who have achieved excellence in farming or agriculture while making a tangible positive impact on their local communities.
The 2027 winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and reimbursement for travel and related expenses for themselves and one guest to attend the AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, from January 8–12, 2027. The award will be publicly announced on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
Eligibility is broad: applicants need not be AFBF members. The selection committee will look for a record of agricultural achievement, community service, and a willingness to share the veteran farmer story. Winners will be notified in mid‑September, with the final announcement scheduled for Veterans Day.
The AFBF, a national 501(c)(5) organization that represents roughly 2 million farms across the United States, has lobbied on behalf of farmers and ranchers since 1919. Its annual convention—where delegates adopt policies and recognize achievements—serves as the backdrop for the Veteran Farmer Award, one of several initiatives that spotlight farmers’ contributions to the nation’s food system.
The most recent recipient was Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina. After a 22‑year Army career that included intelligence operations in Europe and the Middle East, Rutter co‑founded Project Victory Gardens, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition to civilian life through hands‑on agricultural training. The organization also runs Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally recognized four‑day crash course that teaches the fundamentals of starting a farm business.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the federation is “proud to shine a spotlight on veterans for their service to our nation and their meaningful contributions to agriculture and their communities.” He added that the award reflects the AFBF’s broader effort to support veteran farmers, who often bring discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic to the field.
Applications for the 2027 award are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on September 1. Interested candidates can find the application form and detailed eligibility criteria on the AFBF website. For questions, applicants may contact Mike Tomko, Director of Communications, at (202) 406‑3642 or baileyc@fb.org.
The award will be presented at the 2027 AFBF Convention in Charlotte, a gathering that draws thousands of farmers, ranchers, and industry stakeholders. The ceremony will coincide with the convention’s broader agenda, which includes policy discussions, educational sessions, and recognition of other agricultural achievements.
In summary, the AFBF is offering a $10,000 prize and travel reimbursement to a veteran farmer who exemplifies excellence and community impact. The application deadline is September 1, and the winner will be announced on Veterans Day. The award underscores the federation’s commitment to honoring veterans who continue to serve the nation through agriculture.
The 2027 winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and reimbursement for travel and related expenses for themselves and one guest to attend the AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, from January 8–12, 2027. The award will be publicly announced on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026.
Eligibility is broad: applicants need not be AFBF members. The selection committee will look for a record of agricultural achievement, community service, and a willingness to share the veteran farmer story. Winners will be notified in mid‑September, with the final announcement scheduled for Veterans Day.
The AFBF, a national 501(c)(5) organization that represents roughly 2 million farms across the United States, has lobbied on behalf of farmers and ranchers since 1919. Its annual convention—where delegates adopt policies and recognize achievements—serves as the backdrop for the Veteran Farmer Award, one of several initiatives that spotlight farmers’ contributions to the nation’s food system.
The most recent recipient was Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina. After a 22‑year Army career that included intelligence operations in Europe and the Middle East, Rutter co‑founded Project Victory Gardens, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition to civilian life through hands‑on agricultural training. The organization also runs Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally recognized four‑day crash course that teaches the fundamentals of starting a farm business.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the federation is “proud to shine a spotlight on veterans for their service to our nation and their meaningful contributions to agriculture and their communities.” He added that the award reflects the AFBF’s broader effort to support veteran farmers, who often bring discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic to the field.
Applications for the 2027 award are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on September 1. Interested candidates can find the application form and detailed eligibility criteria on the AFBF website. For questions, applicants may contact Mike Tomko, Director of Communications, at (202) 406‑3642 or baileyc@fb.org.
The award will be presented at the 2027 AFBF Convention in Charlotte, a gathering that draws thousands of farmers, ranchers, and industry stakeholders. The ceremony will coincide with the convention’s broader agenda, which includes policy discussions, educational sessions, and recognition of other agricultural achievements.
In summary, the AFBF is offering a $10,000 prize and travel reimbursement to a veteran farmer who exemplifies excellence and community impact. The application deadline is September 1, and the winner will be announced on Veterans Day. The award underscores the federation’s commitment to honoring veterans who continue to serve the nation through agriculture.
