Student innovation took center stage at the 97th Missouri State FFA Convention as the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) announced Nixa FFA as the firstplace winner of the 2025 Soy Innovation Challenge.
With a bold global perspective and a hands-on approach to education, Nixa FFA earned top honors and a $10,000 grant to bring its project to life. The exhibit, “The Importance of U.S. Soy within Other Countries,” featured a colorful, interactive map connecting agriculture in the U.S. to all seven continents. The display used flip-up panels, durable materials and engaging visuals to show how U.S.-grown soybeans are used worldwide in food, fuel and livestock feed.
Designed to appeal to both adults and students, the project highlights the global reach and economic significance of soybeans. Plans are underway for the exhibit to be installed at the Center for Soy Innovation in Jefferson City, where it will serve as an educational resource for thousands of visitors annually. “This challenge provides students with a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge and creativity to real-world agricultural education,” said Baylee Asbury, director of outreach and education at Missouri Soybeans. “Nixa FFA’s project stood out for its global scope, clarity and hands-on interactivity.”
In second place, Savannah FFA earned a $5,000 grant for its “Bean Voyage” soy-themed playground designed to teach young learners about the global journey of Missouri soybeans. To round out the awards, North Shelby FFA placed third, with Carrollton FFA coming in fourth.
Each of the top chapters demonstrated exceptional creativity, agricultural knowledge and a passion for educating others. Their exhibits are being brought to life across Missouri, promoting the role soybeans play in local economies and global markets. What set this year’s competition apart was not only the creativity of the exhibits, but also their scalability and long-term educational potential.
The Soy Innovation Challenge is one of several educational initiatives supported by Missouri Soybeans to cultivate leadership and increase awareness of soybean production and use. By empowering students to create and present original ideas, the program continues to foster a generation of informed advocates rooted in action.
For more information about the Soy Innovation Challenge and other education programs, visit mosoy.org.
