For the second time, the American Farm Bureau Federation will recognize one veteran who has served or is currently

serving in any branch of the United States Military and is actively involved in agriculture and their community.

Called the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, it is sponsored by Farm Credit and seeks to elevate and celebrate those who have served their country and continue to do so through involvement in agriculture and the community.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The 2025 AFBF Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient will be notified in mid-September, with the winner announced publicly on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.

The recipient of the award will receive $10,000 plus reimbursement of up to $5,000 in travel and other expenses incurred for the recipient and their guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation convention to be held in Anaheim, California, on Jan. 9-14, 2026.

Find out more about the award and how to apply at fb.org/initiative/afbf-veteran-farmer-award-of-excellence. There you can also learn more about the 2025 winner, retired Army Col. Joe Ricker of Hancock County, Indiana.