Aug 3, 2026 by INFB Marketing
For the third consecutive year, 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.
The Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, sponsored by Farm Credit, applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The 2027 AFBF Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient will be notified in mid-September, with the winner announced publicly on Veterans Day (Nov. 11, 2026).
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 Charlotte, N.C. on Jan. 8-13, 2027.
Col. Joe Ricker of At Ease Orchard in Indiana was the inaugural winner in 2025. Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Rutter of South Carolina was the second recipient this year. For more information, visit fb.org/veteranfarmer.
(317) 692-7871
P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
