Citrus County farm business is a national award finalist

Elite OviGen Inc., a business developed by a Citrus County rancher, has been named a finalist in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Innovation Challenge competition. The honor comes with a $15,000 cash award.

Anette Skoog, founder of the business, will now compete for the title of Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneur of the Year at the national organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans, La. In January. She will bring home an additional $15,000 if she wins the overall challenge.

Elite OviGen has developed a software system that helps sheep breeders track and manage animal, production and financial data.

“The recognition and visibility for your business and ideas – being a top four finalist – is invaluable,” Skoog said. “It gives a huge possibility to reach a broader audience and opens new doors that can help us grow and develop our company.”

A veterinarian and a producer of beef cattle as well as sheep, Skoog explained that she and her family members have worked to create the software business for many years. “Our plan is to build and grow our company in this area of Florida and hire people locally,” she said.

Skoog and three other national finalists will each make presentations about their respective businesses on Jan. 13, beginning at 11 a.m. The event will be streamed live via the American Farm Bureau Federation’s website at www.fb.org.

The Ag Innovation Challenge is in its fifth year. This program provides business entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their operations before a national audience and earn start-up capital. Participants also gain access to other private investors who can help underwrite their projects.

Support for the program has been provided by Farm Credit, Farm Bureau Bank, John Deere, Country Financial and Farm Bureau Financial Services.

Elite OviGen Inc. is the first Florida business to be selected as a finalist in the program.