Iowa Corn Announces, “Future of Agriculture” Scholarship Recipients

Iowa Corn announced today the 16 student recipients of the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program for the 2018-2019 school year. Iowa Corn awarded sixteen (16) $1,000 one-year scholarships to deserving, qualified students enrolled at an accredited U.S. 2-year or 4-year college or university, or graduate school, in a program of study to equip them to contribute to Iowa’s agriculture industry. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB).

“Iowa Corn is committed to developing future leaders in agriculture,” said Larry Buss, a farmer from Logan and Iowa Corn Grassroots Network, Membership & Checkoff (GNMC) Committee Chair. “Our industry’s success depends on our ability to offer relevant programming, advocacy, and services to those new leaders entering Iowa’s agricultural sector. We’re proud of this year’s crop of applicants.”

Selection committees evaluated applications by their essays, applications, reference letters, current grades, and activities. They also must be Iowa Corn Growers Association members or be a dependent of a member. Iowa Corn will recognize these scholarship recipients at the Grassroots Summit in August.

First-Year Scholarship winners include:

• Linnea Ankeny, of Emmetsburg High School, will attend Augustana University double majoring in English and Psychology. She wrote in her essay, “My father is a farmer and part of the reason I decided to go into physical therapy. He has had back pain for as long as I can remember from a farming incident when he was younger. Upon completing my education, I hope to work in a small farming community and help farmers with workplace injuries.”

• Breanna Adams, of Monticello High School, will attend Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Studies. She said in her essay, “After graduating, I plan to come back to my family farm and raise pigs. I will use the knowledge I gain at college to stay up-to-date with modern farming technology and equipment. I will also learn to do book work and record keeping more efficiently.”

• Cody Birt, of SWV High School, will attend Northwest Missouri State University. Cody stated in his essay, “My dream job would to be to attain a job selling livestock feed or pharmaceuticals. I want to be on the sales side because it will give me the chance to meet people and gain lifelong connections. Iowa agriculture has shaped me and given me so many great friends. I cannot wait to give back.”

• Sydney Black, of Highland High School, will attend Iowa State University majoring in Animal Science. She wrote in her essay, “I look forward to the challenge of gaining acceptance into the veterinary program. As a graduate, I hope to open a clinic in rural Iowa. The reason I hope to open my own clinic is that I feel there is a high need for animal care in such an agricultural-based state.”

• Cole Eden, of Algona High School, will attend Iowa State University studying Agronomy. Cole stated in his essay, “I plan to find a career tied directly to crop production. I believe it will be essential to use social media and other communication practices to get involved with American citizens that hold misperceptions or false opinions about modern day crop production practices.”

• Hannah Heit, of New Hampton Community High School, will attend Iowa State University studying Animal Science & International Agriculture. Hannah said in her essay, “Upon graduating, I plan to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine. I will advocate for sustainable agricultural practices helping farmers integrate these practices into their farms conserving our Earth’s natural resources.”

• Kennady Moffitt, of Indianola High School, will attend Iowa State University majoring in Agronomy. Kennady wrote in her essay, “After graduation, I aspire to obtain a career with a major seed company where I can continue to work diligently in the field of agronomy. I believe that practicing environmentally friendly practices is extremely important to the future of agriculture.”

• Tiffany Poen, of South Central Calhoun High School, will attend Iowa State University studying Agricultural Business. She stated in her essay, “I plan to work in sales for a large implement dealer learning how to demonstrate equipment and understanding how it fits into my clients’ budget.”

Upperclassmen Scholarship winners include:

• Erin Chalupa, an Iowa State University freshman studying Agricultural Communications & Animal Science from Keota, wrote in her essay, “I hope to work for associations, giving speeches, developing marketing & communication strategies, and attending events educating the public.”

• Adam Koch, an Iowa State University freshman majoring in Agricultural Education from Osage, wrote in his essay, “As an agricultural education teacher, I want to teach students and provide them with many opportunities in FFA and in the agriculture field after they graduate.”

• Colby Lafrenz, an Iowa State University sophomore in Agricultural Engineering from Maysville, said in his essay, “I have accepted an internship this coming summer with John Deere to get the work experience to go along with my academic achievements. I am passionate about discovering and using technologies to drive productivity and efficiencies while protecting the environment.”

• Nicole Langbein, a Morningside College junior in Applied Agriculture & Food Studies and Business Administration from Sac City, wrote in her essay, “Although I am unsure of my exact career path after I leave school, I know what I learn will help me contribute to Iowa’s agriculture industry. I will use the knowledge I gain to contribute to my family farm, and my future career.”

• Andrew Lauver, a Drake University Law Student from Rockwell. He said in his essay, “My personal mission is fueled by my passion for agricultural policy and law in serving farmers and the global demand for food throughout my life. Upon graduation, I will continue serving and advocate for Iowa's corn farmers as an Iowa Corn committee member, farmer, and lawyer.”

• Katelin Pagel, an Iowa State University sophomore studying Agricultural Communications and International Agriculture from Sumner, stated in her essay, “My first study abroad experience ignited my desire to educate others about agriculture. After working in both Haiti and the inner-city, I believe promoting and education regarding agriculture can have extraordinary results.”

• Rebecca Van Regenmorter, a South Dakota State University junior in Agronomy from Inwood, said in her essay, “As a future agronomist, I look forward to being able to help farmers reach their goals in producing the crops that have made Iowa famous. Using my degree, I will be able to positively impact Iowa's agriculture one farmer, one soil analysis, and one field at a time.”

• Matthew Stenzel, an Iowa State University freshman in Agricultural Business from Hamburg wrote in his essay, “After graduation, I'll use my education to better this industry, beginning by improving my family farm; marketing strategies, accounting practices, and optimizing resources. It's my goal to continue the tradition of hard work, integrity, and passion for Iowa agriculture.”

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The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products.  The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a 7,500-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its farmer members to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability. For more information, visit iowacorn.org.