Entrepreneurs have fewer than two weeks remaining to apply for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Grow Your Future Award.

The deadline to enter the contest, which offers more than $17,000 in cash prizes, is Sept. 1.

This year marks the sixth year of the contest, which is open to young farmer entrepreneurs between 18-35 years old with unique business ventures that tap into niche production, agritourism and other specialty services.

The overall winner will take home the $10,000 grand prize to grow their business. Second place will receive $5,000, and third place $2,500.

Applications must be submitted at www.iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture by Sept. 1. A panel of judges will select up to six finalists to send to an online public vote.

The public vote will narrow the field to three finalists, who will compete in a live pitch-off during the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference Jan. 17, 2025.

"Our IFBF young farmer committee understands obstacles to farming and the need to diversify to break into agriculture and helped develop this program to recognize creative new businesses," said Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau's farm business development manager. "We recognize the challenges that come with entrepreneurism and efforts to bring additional income to the farm, and this award is just one way we can help young farmers grow their businesses."

Last year's Grow Your Future Award winner was Ashley Wenke of Pleasant Grove Homestead in Montezuma.

Wenke grows more than 40 different crops in addition to raising meat birds and is using her winnings to expand her farm's direct-to-consumer marketing and farmers market presence.

Other previous Grow Your Future winners include businesses offering cover crop services, cricket farming, locally-raised beef and mushroom farming.