JONESBORO, Ark. — Eleven students from Arkansas schools earned awards in the 2026 Soybean Science Challenge, a statewide competition highlighting agricultural research. Among the top winners were students from Harrisburg and Paragould in Northeast Arkansas.
The Soybean Science Challenge, organized by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, encourages junior high and high school students to investigate pressing issues in soybean production and agricultural sustainability. This year’s event coincided with Arkansas’ centennial celebration of soybean cultivation. Soybeans remain the state’s most significant row crop and play a major role in sustaining agriculture, Arkansas’ largest industry.
“The Soybean Science Challenge gives students insight into key issues affecting crop outcomes and understanding of sustainable agricultural practices,” said Brad Doyle, a soybean farmer from Poinsett County and chairman of the ASPB.
Julie Robinson, the program’s administrator, emphasized the importance of the students' efforts. “The work these students put into the Soybean Science Challenge has an impact on soybean farmers and producers across the state,” Robinson said. “Our goal is to encourage students to continue studying agriculture and help shape the future of our industry.”
This year’s Senior Division Award went to Jacob Davis of Harrisburg High School for his project titled, *Can Plants be Assisted by Better Water?* In the Junior Division, Andrew Weiss and Jake Sanders of Paragould Junior High School won for their project, *Aqua Airflow.*
The competition’s winners received cash prizes provided by the ASPB. High school students earned $400 for regional wins and up to $1,000 for state-level honors. Junior high students received $200 at regional events. Teachers of winning students were also recognized with cash awards, ranging from $100 at regional levels to $300 for state-level wins.
Arkansas’ Soybean Science Challenge continues to inspire young researchers while celebrating the state’s century-long history of soybean cultivation and its importance to local and statewide agricultural economies.