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GENEX Rewards Youth with Collegiate Scholarship
by GENEX
Demonstrating commitment to the future of agriculture, each year GENEX awards scholarships to college students pursuing degrees in agriculture. These students are actively involved on a member’s farm or ranch and exhibit a passion of leading the way in the agriculture industry.
The five recipients of this year’s $750 GENEX Collegiate Scholarship exemplify the drive, dedication and devotion agriculture requires. Their responses to the lessons they learned from their involvement in agriculture are proof:
Leif Annexstad is studying animal science at the University of Minnesota
Leif Annexstad, St. Peter, Minnesota
“My time on the farm has taught me many things. I’ve learned about animal nutrition by talking to our nutritionist and about animal health by visiting with our veterinarian. I’ve learned even more from conversations with my dad and uncles, including to be patient with animals as well as people.”
Justin Engebretson is studying agricultural engineering at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Justin Engebretsen, Gillett, Wisconsin
“Agriculture is an industry that will always be important because humans need food and other animal by products. One of the lessons I learned from my agricultural involvement is hard work always pays off.”
Jack McCrory is working towards a degree in agriculture economics at North Dakota State University.
Jack McCrory, Linton, North Dakota
“Agriculture has a way of helping people push themselves to develop skills and make decisions that will have positive life-long impacts. These connections, no matter how small or distant, always leave a lasting impact.”
Eric Ranke is studying dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Eric Ranke, Waterford, Wisconsin
“There is no doubt agriculture is the single greatest influencer of who I am today. Agriculture is the most diverse, important and sustainable industry we have; we must protect and advocate for its future.”
Ellen Schilderink is majoring in agribusiness-dairy management at Tarleton State University.
Ellen Schilderink, Hart, Texas
“Agriculture is the way I grew up and how I Iive every day. My work ethic and determination to get the job done came from countless hours on our dairy.”
Terri Dallas, GENEX Vice President of Member Relations, shares, “We are proud to support youth who are interested in furthering their education and commitment to agriculture. Not only do these students understand the importance of agriculture, they are tremendous advocates as well.”
The hard work, passion and leadership skills needed for the agriculture industry is not lost on these students. In their applications they described opportunities that helped them grow, such as study abroad programs, working as an assistant research student, attending leadership conferences, delivering Meals on Wheels, taking advanced placement classes to push themselves academically, spearheading educational events to spread agriculture awareness and managing critical roles on the operations where they work.
“These students are a promise to a bright future in agriculture,” states Terri. “Along with their exceptional leadership, the heart and determination they demonstrate sends a strong message that tomorrow’s agriculture is in good hands.”
