SoilSense wins Rep. Andy Barr’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Kentucky’s Sixth District

When asked what inspired the creation of SoilSense, the students said, “Our inspiration came from home. We grew up surrounded by the farmlands of Kentucky, the heart of America’s agriculture, and some of our family members are farmers themselves. There are so many apps for investing, fitness, or shopping, but few apps are designed to help rural farmers. We wanted to change that.

“Agriculture in Kentucky is far more than a way of life; it is the cornerstone of the state’s economy and rural identity. In 2019, the agricultural sector’s total economic impact on the Commonwealth was estimated to be $49.6 billion, about an 8.8 % increase from 2012. Cash receipts hit $8.3 billion in 2024, showing growth and diversity among farms. Yet despite its size and significance, the farming sector in rural Kentucky faces systemic support shortfalls that threaten productivity, sustainability, and equity. Many farms operate with tiny margins, which limits their ability to invest in new tools or weather shocks.

“A key barrier is the lack of access to modern infrastructure and digital support. Many farmers report inadequate broadband connectivity, limited technological training, and scarce affordable solutions tailored to their context. For example, studies show that costs, the complexity of new technology, and low digital literacy keep many small-scale farmers from using precision agriculture tools. Additionally, barriers such as pests, diseases, resource mismanagement, and unpredictable weather add to the vulnerability of rural farms. In short, the people who feed our state and nation often must do so without the support systems, tools, and community infrastructure that their role would greatly benefit from.

“During development, we spoke directly with Kentucky farmers who told us how technology often feels intimidating or irrelevant to them. Hearing their excitement about our prototype reminded us that accessibility matters just as much as innovation. This drove us to create a solution that meets the needs of farmers across the state.

“Ultimately, our inspiration came from the possibilities of AI and app design, as well as the people working tirelessly behind every field. Farmers feed the world, yet they’re often left behind in the digital revolution. We wanted to give them some support through a completely free app that promotes sustainability, strengthens local communities, and helps them work efficiently. This app ultimately aims at creating a vision for a future where technology grows hand-in-hand with the hands that grow our food.”