Judging will take place in less than a month for a competition that showcases innovative ideas in the agriculture world, but you can cast your vote now.
Five finalists were chosen for addressing labor and sustainability, food safety, rural health or supply chain resilience. The competition is a platform to promote business ventures and present them for professional review and critique.
Live judging for the third annual Bull Pen challenge will take place on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention.
In addition to live judging, the public may vote for a $2,500 award for People’s Choice. Pitch videos for each finalist are posted online. Votes should be submitted by Dec. 3 at vafairs.com/bullpen
Finalists include:
- 10114 Pure Virginia Honey LLC in Prince George County
- Agricision Inc. in Southampton County
- Edgewood Apiaries in Fluvanna County
- Samurai Creatives LLC in Orange County
- Studley Farms LLC in Hanover County
“The Bull Pen provides an opportunity to showcase rural entrepreneurs and businesses from across the state,” said Tony Banks, VA FAIRS senior assistant director. “This competition also enables us to provide the competitors with the opportunity to compete for cash prizes that can help them expand their businesses.”
The Bull Pen challenged is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability.
Bull Pen challenge finalists
10114 Pure Virginia Honey LLC in Prince George County
- Founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran with a passion for sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of their honeybees and provide a nutritious product, the company plans to double its honey production in the next two years by expanding the apiary from five to 10 hives. This will enable them to produce 700 pounds of honey by 2026, allowing them to serve a wider range of health-conscious customers in Prince George, at farmers markets and through other direct-to-consumer channels.
Agricision Inc. in Southampton County
- A farmer-led agricultural software and drone manufacturing company, Agricision is devoted to transforming the way drones and farming work together to improve efficiency and sustainability on farms. The drones that the company builds are engineered specifically for the agriculture sector to meet the unique demands of modern farming. Additionally, Agricision’s proprietary pest detection software accurately identifies, verifies and geotags pests in real-time while in flight. This boosts farm productivity, while promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing chemical use.
Edgewood Apiaries in Fluvanna County
- A producer of premium, nectar-specific Virginia honey and hive-based products like soaps, lotions and candles, the company plans to expand its production by purchasing honey from a network of small-scale Virginia honey producers and promoting transparency by labeling the honey in a way that drives consumers to videos of the beekeepers. Edgewood sells through boutique wholesale, direct-to-consumer channels and a growing online platform. The company also participates in business-to-business partnerships, including recent collaborations with Tarnished Truth Distillery, Max Meadows Lavender Farm and The Veil Brewery.
Samurai Creatives LLC in Orange County
- Pairs locally grown floral arrangements with unique vessels and exquisite ikebana vases imported from Japan. Specializing in customized floral installations and professional development workshops, the company blends nature and art to help individuals and professionals enhance their productivity and mental health. Samurai’s sustainable products promote local agriculture and craftsmanship.
Studley Farms LLC in Hanover County
- A small family farm specializing in the sale of fresh local meats through direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale customers, Studley Farms seeks to strengthen food security in the community, and spur economic growth by creating opportunity, and to be good stewards of the environment through the implementation of best management practices.
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Crystal Graham
