Scholarship Winners 2022

Carlos B. Pires is a doctoral student in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. Carlos’s studies focus on testing agricultural practices to improve soil health at the farm level. He is conducting state-wide on-farm studies to measure and communicate the environmental benefits of different agricultural practices. On the outreach and extension side, he has organized and participated in soil health field days to raise awareness on the importance of making agriculture more resilient and sustainable. Carlos is the founder of Agro Connection Podcast and YouTube channel, which focuses on connecting Brazilian and American agriculture.

Valerie is a Junior pursuing a Degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Engler Entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Valerie grew up on a family farm in Nebraska and intends to contribute to the agriculture industry in the future by pursuing a career Agribusiness Sales or Marketing.

Ashley is a junior at the University of Minnesota where she studies Agricultural Communication and Marketing with minors in Animal Science and Agricultural and Food Business Management. Having grown up within agriculture through showing livestock and being very active in organizations such as 4-H and FFA, she has continued this involvement in the industry by being involved in various activities on campus, such as the Gopher Dairy Club, Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club, Agricultural Business Club, serving as a Midwest Dairy Ambassador and working on campus as the Student Administrative Assistant for the Department of Animal Science.

Ross was raised on a dairy and crop farm in southeastern Minnesota. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at South Dakota State University and plans to return to his family's farm as the fourth generation. Ross looks forward to his future in agriculture and will continue sharing his passion with future generations. 

Lane grew up working on a farm and ranch in Yuma, Colorado where his family has a cow/calf herd and raises corn and wheat. He is now attending West Texas A&M University and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business and Economics. Lane plans on using his degree to go back home and help continue and expand his family's farm and ranch. 

Maleia is a rising senior majoring in Accounting at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She plans to continue her education to earn a Master of Accounting degree and take the CPA exam. Maleia aspires to return to rural Minnesota, assisting farmers with their financial needs.

Grace lives on a small farm in southwestern North Dakota, and has participated in many extracurriculars throughout high school, her favorite being FFA. FFA is the reason she will be attending North Dakota State College of Science, to work towards a degree in agronomy.

Liliana is from Britt, Iowa, and is currently an Ag Transfer and Animal Science student at Ellsworth Community College. Liliana will be transferring to Iowa State University to major in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications.

Bailey is from Franklin Nebraska. She plans on attending Central Community College in Kearney Nebraska to pursue a degree in nursing.

Lacey is the sixth-generation farmer to live on her family farm from Southeast Nebraska. She will graduate from Deshler Public Schools this spring and plans to attend Colby Community College in the fall, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in agricultural commodities and another minor in agricultural politics.