Andrew and Karlie Bowman, the innovative minds behind the popcorn brand Pilot Knob Farms, have won the 2024 Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism. The award recognizes a grower, producer, or farmer who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation in agricultural practices and products. The award announcement was made today at the 2024 AgTech Innovation Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois Research Park. The Bowmans have developed new popcorn hybrids, resulting in specialty red and blue “hull-less” popcorn. They market the product behind the theme line “No toothpicks required.” Located near Oneida, Illinois, the Bowmans are fifth-generation farmers with more than 1800 acres of corn and soybean seed beans. The Glen “GB” Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism was established in 2021 by The BRANDT Foundation in partnership with the University of Illinois to honor the memory of Glen Brandt, a legendary figure in Illinois agriculture. The annual $10,000 prize rewards individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity, vision, and a commitment to the future of agriculture.
Local farmers awarded prize for Ag Entrepreneurism
