The decision of who will compete for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Grow Your Future” Award and its $10,000 grand prize is now open for public votes. The competition is designed by Iowa Farm Bureau to help young farmers, ages 18-35, expand their niche agricultural businesses, from ag products and specialty services to agritourism.
Five applicants have been chosen across Iowa, and two local county farms have been selected to advance to an online vote between Dec. 9-15.
Rachel Irwin of “Bushels & Blooms Farm” in Wapello County who grows and sells cut flowers at an on-farm stand, an endeavor she began as a tribute to her parents who died in a car accident in 2023. Her near-term goal is to build a greenhouse to start seeds and expand her growing season.
Taylor Getting of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging in Johnson County grows 5,000 lavender plants in six different varieties and sells them as skin care products, food ingredients, household cleaners and more. Her farm also has lodging that overlooks their lavender fields. She hopes to expand her lavender fields, add additional varieties and add processing equipment to meet consumer demand.
The three farmers with the most votes will compete in a pitch-off during the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference, Jan. 18.
The public may vote for their favorite business at www.iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture.