The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is accepting applications for its W.D. Farr Scholarships. The program awards two graduate-level students $15,000 each to support their pursuit of animal agriculture and meat science careers.
The awarded students will be chosen based on superior academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the beef industry. Students may apply online before September 22, 2023.
The W.D. Farr Scholarship is named in honor of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colorado, who passed away at the age of 97 in August 2007. Farr was the first president of the NCF and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which is now known as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
According to the NCF, Farr was a third-generation Colorado rancher, statesman, and banker known for his extraordinary vision. Farr’s dedication to improving agriculture, livestock, and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.
2022 scholarship winners
Ashley Schilling
Schilling graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and is pursuing her master’s and Ph.D. in animal science from CSU as well. Her involvement in 4-H and raising livestock as a youth instilled a passion for production agriculture and feeding consumers. Schilling’s graduate work focuses on advancing sustainable solutions for beef systems, and she hopes to educate industry professionals, producers, and the public about how the beef industry supports environmental, social, and economic sustainability across the value chain.
“This scholarship is giving me the opportunity to holistically investigate some of the greatest challenges and opportunities for future agriculturalists and to expand my knowledge of livestock systems and the innovations that will support future agri-food supply chains,” said Schilling.
Lane Giess
Lane Giess grew up on his family’s seed stock cattle ranch in central Minnesota and quickly learned the value of genetics. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Kansas State University, Giess was accepted to Colorado State University’s animal science doctoral program. He is studying quantitative animal breeding and genetics with an emphasis on developing genetic evaluations to improve fertility, longevity, and the economic sustainability of commercial cattle. Giess is looking forward to contributing to advancing genetic technologies making cattle producers more profitable.
“Receiving the W.D. Farr Scholarship will help me become a better researcher, a better leader and validate my commitment to the beef industry,” said Giess.
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