Farmers on the Rise Awards

How are Farmers on the Rise applications judged?

In order to win a Farmers on the Rise award, you must go through two rounds of judging. An independent panel of qualified judges will review all of the written applications and select the top 20 finalists moving onto phase two of the judging process.

Phase 1

To be eligible for Phase 1, you must meet the application requirements and fill out and submit a complete application. Each application in phase one will be evaluated based on the following criteria to achieve a score out of 200 possible points:

Phase 2

Phase 1 applicants selected as the top 20 finalists will receive an invitation to participate in an in-person interview with judges to answer questions and give further context to their application.

Interviews will be no longer than 30 minutes in length and are intended for the applicant to provide additional clarification regarding their application and for the judging committee to ask questions.

During the interview process, only the named applicant(s) are permitted into the interview room. No guests will be granted access to the interview. No access to audio-visual/PowerPoint/Prezi will be supported during the interview process. 

Each application in phase two will be evaluated based on the following interview selection criteria:

Farmers on the Rise FAQs

How do I know if I'm eligible to apply for the Farmers on the Rise Award?

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older, and must have at least three years of experience, but no more than 10 years of farming experience. Applicants must also live in Horizon Farm Credit's territory - click here to check your eligibility. 

Do I need to be a Horizon Farm Credit customer to apply?

No, you do not need to be a Farm Credit customer to apply.

Can I apply as a single applicant? Can I apply as a co-applicant?

Yes, you can apply as a single applicant or you can apply with a business partner. The application should only reflect those efforts of the named applicants.

Are the award funds taxable?

Yes, the award money is taxable. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Who can write me a Letter of Recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should be written on behalf of an applicant by someone who can share perspective on why you are a farmer on the rise. Family members, Farm Credit staff, or Farm Credit directors are not eligible to write letters of recommendation.

Who should be included in my application photo?

You should attach a professional photo of yourself and co-applicant, if applicable.

What should be included in my essay responses?

All essays should help tell the applicants story and support why they are a Farmer on the Rise! All essays should be written in paragraph form.

Who will judge and evaluate my application?

An independent panel of qualified judges will review all applications in both Phase 1 and 2 of the review process.

Is there anyone who is not eligible to apply?

Officers, Directors, and employees of the Sponsor, Horizon Farm Credit, and their subsidiaries, affiliates, their agents, press/media representatives, and the immediate family members of these entities are not eligible to apply. "Family" is defined here as an individual and spouse and anyone having the following relationship to either: parents, spouse, son, daughter, sibling, stepparent, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, grandparent, grandson, granddaughter, and the spouse of the foregoing and/or those living in the same household of each, whether or not related, are not eligible to apply.

Applicants will only be eligible for one grant award during a 12-month period of time. 2024 JumpStart Grant winners are not eligible to apply this year, but will become eligible in 2025. Past Farmers on the Rise $10,000 winners are not eligible to apply. 

If you have additional questions, please contact Farmers on the Rise Program Administrator, Johanna Rohrer at learning@horizonfc.com or 888.339.3334.