Missouri Soybeans introduces Soy Innovation Challenge

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is partnering with Missouri Future Farmers of America to introduce the Soy Innovation Challenge to high school agricultural education classes.

The Soy Innovation Challenge aims to engage FFA members in creating valuable exhibits and ideas based on the soy value chain to display at Missouri Soybeans’ Center for Soy Innovation.

Interested FFA members will develop an understanding of the versatility of soy and the many ways soy is utilized in everyday products.

Exhibiting the uses of soy is essential to the development of viable markets that benefit Missouri’s farmers.

“After a year of strategic planning and collaboration with Missouri FFA, we are proud to offer this unique opportunity to high-school students interested in soybean production and showcase their creativity,” said Baylee Asbury, director of outreach and education. “This first-of-its-kind contest provides a multitude of career readiness and educational benefits to the students and also helps grow our engagement at the Center for Soy Innovation.”

The Soy Innovation Challenge is a two-part contest.

Participating chapters will design and develop an exhibit for the center and submit proposals for MSMC to consider.

The top five chapters in the state will be selected to present their ideas to a panel of judges.

Following the final presentation, the top three chapters will be awarded cash prizes up to $10,000 to be implemented however they choose, which preference on soy-related activities.

“This opportunity offered by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council for Missouri FFA chapters is phenomenal,” said Teresa Briscoe, Missouri FFA executive secretary. “Not only are the awards generous but the chance for FFA members to work as a team within their chapter to plan and present a design idea closely aligns with the philosophy of our program. Chapter members will not only be advocating for the No. 1 industry in Missouri but using skills of marketing, communicating and planning that they have learned in the classroom.”

Missouri Soybeans encourages members of the organization to share this opportunity with local FFA chapters. If there are further questions about the contest, contact Asbury at basbury@mosoy.org.

The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council is a statewide, farmer-led organization focused on improving opportunities for Missouri soybean farmers through a combination of research, outreach, education and market-development efforts through the soybean checkoff.