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NOMINATE THE 2025
GROUNDBREAKER OF THE YEAR

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Do you know a young, beginning or small farmer with an unmatched passion for agriculture who is making a difference in their community? Nominate them for Compeer’s GroundBreaker of the Year Award now through August 30, 2024!

Every year we channel our mission to champion rural into action by celebrating young, beginning and small farmers for the incredible work they do in and out of the field. We at Compeer Financial recognize the value they bring to our industry and seek to amplify their talents, share their dedication to agriculture and provide them with the support to keep plowing towards their dreams.

The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash award and opportunity to direct a one-time charitable gift of $2,500 made on their behalf to an organization of their choosing from the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America.* Additionally, two farmers will be recognized with honorable mentions and will each receive a cash award of $2,500.

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GBOTY_Logo_400x313.jpg
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ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION:

To qualify, nominees must be actively farming in Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin and meet at least one of the following criteria for a young, beginning or small-scale farmer:

  • Age 35 or younger at the time of application
  • Under 10 years of farming or ranching experience at time of application
  • Generate less than $350,000 in annual gross sales for the 2023 calendar year
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NOMINATE TODAY

Anyone from Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin can put forth a candidate, whether you’re a family member, friend, colleague, or partner. Farmers may also nominate themselves.

Stories with heart and detailed examples of passion and perseverance stand out to our committee, who select winners based on agricultural leadership and advocacy, community involvement and commitment to the agricultural industry.

Want examples of what makes a great submission? Meet past winners to get an idea of who we’re looking for.

Share with us why you or a farmer you know embodies the spirit of GroundBreaker of the Year.

NOMINATE A FARMER NOW

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WINNER RECOGNITION:

The winners will be announced at Compeer’s GroundBreakers Conference in February 2025. In addition to the cash prizes, winners will have the opportunity to tell their stories and participate in a video.

When farmers are supported, rural communities thrive. Help us make a path to success for them to confidently continue their groundbreaking work, and nominate a young, beginning or small farmer today!

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*Charitable contribution must be directed towards an organization within Compeer Financial parameters.

All loans subject to credit, underwriting and property approval guidelines. Offered loan products may vary by state. There is no guarantee that all borrowers will qualify. Restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Terms, conditions and programs are subject to change without notice.
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Congratulations to Sawyer Cottrell, last year's GroundBreaker of the Year!

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TO EDIT: Change the class="spacer-3" to any number between 0 (none) and 5 (most) to resize a spacer. Ex. class="spacer-5"
Vertical spacers are responsive and 50% smaller on mobile than on tablet+.