After two years of exceptional performance in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) Student Case Competition, Illinois State University students in the Department of Agriculture and international business program are once again preparing to represent Redbirds on the world stage, and alumni can help make it happen.
A group of Agriculture in international business students is raising funds through Illinois State’s Hatch crowdfunding platform to compete in the Global Student Case Competition in 2026. The prestigious event brings together the brightest young minds from universities worldwide to solve real-world challenges in the global food and agribusiness industry. Illinois State’s team finished in first place at the 2024 event held in Spain and in the top 9 in 2025 in Brazil.
This collaboration provides one of the best real world opportunities for students to work with others from another discipline and college to explore complex challenges. Students learn how to value different perspectives and put together diverse viewpoints to find stronger solutions than they would alone.
Dr. Barb Ribbens, Director, Carson and Iris Varner International Business Institute
Set to take place next June in Cork, Ireland, the 2026 IFAMA World Conference and Student Case Competition will center on the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Revitalizing Agri-Food Systems for an Uncertain Tomorrow.” Illinois State University students will join peers from across the globe to tackle complex agricultural issues, sharpen their business skills, and build networks with industry leaders.
You can read more about the team’s history and accomplishments in this FarmWeek article by the Illinois Farm Bureau, which highlights how the program began and how it has grown into a global contender. Their goal is to raise at least $8,000 to help offset travel and registration for the students and faculty representative.
“We are excited to see what this year holds for the 2026 ISU IFAMA team. This year’s theme—”Building Resilient Food Systems in Uncertain Times”—will challenge students to deepen their understanding of global food systems. It will also empower them to leverage their diverse backgrounds, personalities, and mindsets to tackle the complex and dynamic challenges facing agricultural producers and food and agribusiness companies today.“—Dr. Iuliia Tetteh, Associate Professor Agribusiness
Participation in IFAMA provides hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and global engagement—skills essential for future agricultural and business leaders. For students who have previously represented Illinois State University, the experience was nothing short of transformative.
“Collectively, the IFAMA experience had a profound impact on us all—it was indeed a transformative journey,” said Patrick Collins, a student participant. “By challenging ourselves, building networks, learning from leaders, and engaging with the world, we returned with both professional growth and personal insights that will shape our paths forward in agriculture.”
“From this experience, I learned so much about things I would have never even thought about when it comes to agriculture, from all the different sectors to the technology and science within it,” said Leo Kurger, a student participant. “This experience can impact my future career in great ways because had I not done this, I probably wouldn’t have even thought about applying for jobs in the agriculture industry because I only knew the corn and soybean part of it. However, now knowing that there is so much more to it, when the time comes, I will most definitely look for jobs with agribusiness companies. It may also lead me to pursue a master’s degree in agribusiness at some point in my life.”
By giving to this crowdfunding campaign, alumni and friends can directly support these students’ journey, ensuring Illinois State continues to be represented among the best in the world. Every contribution helps these Redbirds shine—and proudly carry Illinois State University’s legacy of excellence and innovation into the global agribusiness arena.
