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A team of nine undergraduate students from South ��ֱ���� State University recently returned from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, after competing in the prestigious 2025 IFAMA Global Student Case Competition, held in conjunction with the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association World Conference hosted by Harven Agribusiness School. 

Team 1 made it into the semifinal round of the competition, and Team 2 won the competition. The trip was coordinated and sponsored by the Ness School of Management and Economics. 

As part of the event, students had the unique opportunity to present their cases to top-level executives. 

“The part that had the most impact on me was the fact that we presented to the CEOs of the companies that we were analyzing,” Taylor Lacek, a senior studying agriculture business and agriculture communications, said. “At this age, it's a huge opportunity to be in the same room as executives, let alone make a pitch to them on how to enhance the bottom line of their companies through strategic decision-making.” 

The SDSU team was one of 26 competing from around the globe, including teams from Australia, Brazil, China, Honduras, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. The students showcased their strategic thinking and collaboration skills in Brazil from June 20-30. 

In the first round of the case study competition, the teams were presented a case with information on the growth challenges of SLC Agricola, a major Brazilian agribusiness, and were given four hours to read the case, analyze it and put together a pitch with their findings. The semifinal round involved the same process but analyzing Atvos, a major Brazilian bioenergy company. In the championship round, the teams were challenged with revisiting their analysis through the lens of current geopolitical conditions, environmental and sustainability factors, and consumer trends. 

“Presenting our business plan to industry professionals pushed me outside my comfort zone,” Natalie Bergem, a junior in ��ֱ���� science, said. “It strengthened my confidence and public speaking skills. I gained insight from judges and teammates that I'll carry forward.” 

Two SDSU colleges and an array of majors were represented with students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Represented programs included agricultural business, business economics, entrepreneurial studies, accounting, ��ֱ���� science, agricultural communications and Spanish. Bergem emphasized the value of working across disciplines. 

“Working with teammates from other majors brought fresh ideas and helped divide tasks based on strengths. It challenged me to think in new ways,” she said. “Their encouragement made the process enjoyable and rewarding.” 

Catherine Klein, a senior in entrepreneurial studies, added, “I think having a variety of majors on our team was a huge advantage. Each of us brought a unique area of expertise, which allowed us to combine our strengths and approach the challenge from multiple perspectives. It was also great to have such a wide variety of ideas. Being able to compare different viewpoints and collaborate to find the best solution really helped us succeed.” 

SDSU has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association competition, with past appearances in Costa Rica, China, Argentina, Denmark and South Africa. The university’s team notably claimed top honors in China in 2019, beating New Zealand in the final round. 

Beyond the competition, students toured Veiling Holambra Cooperative near São Paulo, witnessing a traditional reverse electronic flower auction — an experience described as “once in a lifetime” by participants. 

“Getting to see firsthand how the agribusiness sector operates in a country like Brazil, with its unique challenges and innovations, offers students an invaluable global perspective that truly brings their classroom studies to life, providing practical knowledge and adaptability crucial for navigating an interconnected world,” Oscar Sarasty, assistant professor in the Ness School of Management and Economics, said. The group also enjoyed local attractions, including beach excursions and cultural visits throughout São Paulo. 

“I am incredibly proud of our students. They conducted in-depth analyses of challenges facing SLC Agrícola and Atvos, presenting insights to judges including the CEOs — leaving a strong impression,” Nicole Klein, professor in the Ness School of Management and Economics and one of the coaches of the teams, said. “The trip allowed them to connect with peers globally, forming friendships and expanding networks. This experience sharpened their analytical abilities and helped shape them into the next generation of agribusiness leaders." 

Team 2: Champions 

• Emma Eggenberger, agriculture business and Spanish, Red Wing, Minnesota
• Akasha Gorecki, agriculture business, Hendricks, Minnesota
• Catherine Klein, entrepreneurial studies, White, South ��ֱ����
• Camila Monroy, business economics, Milbank, South ��ֱ����
• Audrey Sieg, accounting, Madison, Minnesota 

Team 1: Semifinalists 

• Natalie Bergem, ��ֱ���� science, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
• Taylor Lacek, agriculture business and agriculture communications, Canby, Minnesota
• Megan Nash, agriculture business and business economics, Mansfield and Faulkton, South ��ֱ����
• Gracie Ross, agriculture business, Winsted, Minnesota 

Faculty: 

Nicole Klein and Oscar Sarasty, professor and assistant professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness, respectively.