FRANKFORT, Ky. — From digital contracts to new biofuel markets, Kentucky State University students are reimagining how U.S. soybeans move from field to consumer. Their innovative outlook on this crucial component of the food ecosystem earned two Kentucky State teams first and second place in the 2025 Global Agriculture & Agribusiness Case Study Competition.

The 2025 Global Agriculture & Agribusiness Case Study Competition was held during the 83rd Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC), Nov. 16–18, in Montgomery, Alabama. PAWC serves as a leading national forum promoting equitable access to information, technology, and opportunities that advance sustainable community and natural resource development.

The first-place team — Godswill Ujah, Bennett Jordan, Taliyah Walker, and Maryam Adeniyi — presented an innovative case study titled “The Commodity Contract Token (CCT): A New Strategy for U.S. Soybean.”

In their winning work, the students outlined a trust-driven digital mechanism designed to strengthen the U.S. soybean industry by targeting two rapidly expanding markets: traceability and quality assurance. By leveraging digital tokens to verify origin, handling, and product quality, the team’s concept seeks to give producers and buyers greater confidence in supply chains while enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. soybeans.

The second-place team — Emmanuel Obielodan, Ghani Shittu, Ayodola Olatunji, and Oluwafunmisho Ibiloro — was honored for its case study, “Tariffs and Trade Impacts on the U.S. Soybean Market: Solutions for U.S. Farmers During a Trade War.”

In that analysis, the team recommends fortifying domestic supply chains, increasing soybean processing capacity, and expanding biofuel production as viable long-term strategies for U.S. farmers navigating global trade disruptions.

Both Kentucky State teams received award certificates and prizes, including cash awards and international travel opportunities. Tuskegee University received the third-place award.

In addition to the competition, several Kentucky State students showcased their scholarship through oral and poster presentations during the conference, further highlighting the university’s growing strength in agricultural research, economics, and policy.

Kentucky State’s delegation to PAWC was led by Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of Land Grant Programs, and included senior research scientist Dr. Sait Sarr; Kristel Smith, director of research and economic development, who served as team coach; and Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta, associate research director for the Land Grant Program and professor of aquaculture.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Sarr said the students’ success underscores both their potential and the power of sustained faculty support.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated support of Ms. Smith and the extraordinary effort our students put into refining their work,” Sarr said. “The Kentucky State student body holds immense potential that can be fully realized with continued collaboration and support. We are proud of their success and grateful for the contributions of our faculty and leadership who made this opportunity possible.”

“These case studies are more than classroom exercises; they are a training ground for the next generation of scientists, economists, and problem-solvers who will safeguard our food supply,” Bernard said. “As an 1890 land-grant institution, Kentucky State is committed to mentoring students who can translate research into real-world solutions for producers and communities.”

A team of faculty mentors supported the students’ work, including Dr. Anuj Chiluwal, assistant professor of agronomy; Swagata “Ban” Banerjee, professor of economics in the School of Business; Dr. James Obielodan, professor of management information systems in the School of Business; Dr. Frederick Bebe, assistant research professor and principal investigator in Cooperative Extension; and Dr. Gladys Besona, research and extension associate.