The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the awardees for the 2024 NCGA Scholarship Programs. Eleven outstanding students were selected by a committee of grower leaders to receive scholarships for this fall semester. NCGA is proud to continue supporting these vital programs in partnership with BASF Corporation.
"At NCGA, we are committed to securing a strong future for corn farmers through every initiative. These scholarships represent a key investment in cultivating the next generation of ag industry leaders and problem-solvers," said Dan Nerud, Nebraska grower and chair of the NCGA Member & Consumer Engagement Action Team. "The caliber of this year's applicants and the diversity of their skills is truly impressive. I'm eager to see how these students will contribute to shaping the industry and driving innovation that will sustain farms for generations to come."
Congratulations to this exceptional group of students, and our sincere thank you to all who applied and to BASF for their continued support of the NCGA Scholarship Programs.
Discover more about each recipient by exploring their full bios below.
Undergraduate School Scholarship Winners
Iowa State University
I am Eric Sibenaller, currently a junior at Iowa State University studying Agricultural Engineering. I grew up on a acreage in northwest Iowa; my dad is a farm manager for a bank and my mom is an oncology nurse at a hospital. Both of my grandparents farmed and we keep up with some hobby farm activities around our acreage, so I have been exposed to agriculture my whole life. Upon graduation I would like to move out west for a couple of years, working for an engineering outfit there before coming back to my roots of small-town Iowa. Back home I would like to work for a private engineering agency as a water resources or farm-operations engineer. Ideally, I would get to work alongside farmers, producers, and other officers regarding the best conservation techniques, machinery designs, and improving the efficiencies of farmoperations. Both the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association have been great organizations to be apart of throughout my collegiate...
Learn MoreUniversity of Idaho
Hadley Beechinor, originally from Walla Walla, WA, is currently studying at the University of Idaho, pursuing dual degrees in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science, along with a certificate in Agricultural Commodity Risk Management. Hadley’s passion for agriculture has been cultivated by a lifetime of experiences on her family’s seven-generation farm and involvement as a member of 4-H and FFA. She is actively engaged in a range of experiences on campus including holding positions such as County Liaison for Collegiate Young Farmers & Ranchers, Vice President of Finance for Kappa Alpha Theta, a member of the Agricultural Risk Management Club, and serving as a CALS Ambassador. Hadley has also taken on many opportunities beyond campus by participating in Idaho State Farm Bureau Conferences and serving as a delegate at the Agriculture Future of America Policy Institute in Washington DC and at the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference in Kansas City, MO. Working as an...
Learn MoreThe Ohio State University
Harrison Blay grew up in Northeast Ohio. He was an active 4-H member for 11 years and worked daily to raise and show junior market steers and heifers. He showed livestock at the local, state and national level and ended his 4-H career on a high note, winning The Ohio State Fair Supreme Champion Heifer in 2023. He attended Archbishop Hoban High School and was a member of the 2019 Division II State Championship Football Team. Harrison lives with his parents, Doug and Kelly Blay and his sisters, Olivia and Caroline. Harrison is an active member of the Agriculture Fraternity, Alpha Gamma Sigma and will be a sophomore at The Ohio State University this fall. He is pursuing an animal biosciences degree with the goal to attend vet school in the future. Biography PDF
Learn MoreIowa State University
My name is Lainey DeVries, and I am currently a first-year student at Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Business with minors in Animal Science and Entrepreneurship. I grew up in Red Oak, IA on my family’s production agriculture operation where we raise hogs, cattle, corn, and soybeans. Throughout high school I was extremely active in 4-H, FFA, and showing livestock. At the collegiate level I am active in clubs such as the Agricultural Business Club, Block and Bridle, and am a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador. After graduation I aspire to obtain a career in the agribusiness field that allows me to advocate for agriculture while also assisting producers in their goal to create a better future for the agriculture industry. I am eager to discover my role and positively promote agriculture. Biography PDF
Learn MoreUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln
Sydney Wellsandt, a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is majoring in Animal Science with minors in Agribusiness, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, and Krustinger Beef Industry Scholars. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Nebraska’s beef industry and do her part in helping cattlemen produce a high-quality beef product on consumer’s plates. She also combines her passions for the agriculture industry, serving others, and high-quality jewelry through her business, Double U Silver, where she designs and creates handmade sterling silver jewelry with a western style. Biography PDF
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