NCGA and BASF Invest in the Future of the Corn Industry

The National Corn Growers Association and BASF awarded the William C. Berg Excellence in Agriculture scholarship to five aspiring college students pursuing degrees in an agriculture-related field today at the 2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif. The William C. Berg Excellence scholarship was created to honor William C. Berg, an Ohio farmer and retired postal worker who passed away in 2012.

“Agriculture is an exciting industry that is constantly changing, evolving and growing to meet society’s need for food, feed, fuel and a host of sustainable products. A new generation of leaders across multiple disciplines will be key to continued success,” said Kevin Skunes, NCGA President and corn grower from Arthur, N.D. “These scholarship winners show we can look forward to a bright future.”

Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to the following students:

• Nicole Gutzmann, from Raleigh, N.C.– a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University pursuing a degree in entomology with a social science minor in genetic engineering and society.
   
• Emily Kreinbrink, from Columbus, Ohio – a junior at Ohio State University studying food science and technology.
   
• Stephen Schwartz, from West Lafayette, Ind. – a sophomore at Purdue University studying agronomy with a focus in crop and soil management.
   
• Santiago Tamagno, from Manhattan, Kan. – a graduate student at Kansas State University pursuing a Ph.D. in agronomy.
   
• Samantha Teten, from Johnson, Neb. – a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying agronomy.

The future of agriculture is bright, and there is no place where that light will shine brighter than at the BASF booth during the annual Commodity Classic tradeshow. The five NCGA winners will be joined by seven other agriculture leaders receiving scholarships by BASF in partnership with the American Soybean Association (ASA), the National Sorghum Foundation (NSF), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF).

“The future of agriculture relies on passionate students who have a true desire to take part in advancing our industry,” said Scott Kay, BASF Vice President of U.S. Crop Protection. “I’m looking forward to seeing what our future holds knowing that we may have the privilege of one day employing these intelligent students at BASF.”