Discover how the National Dairy Shrine awarded $45,000 in scholarships to 38 future dairy leaders. Curious about the recipients and their inspiring stories? Read more.

The National Dairy Shrine has always been vital to nurturing the future leaders of the dairy industry. The Shrine supports education and professional growth by honoring notable dairy individuals and preserving the industry’s rich history. This year, 38 students from universities and technical schools will share $45,000 in scholarships, a significant boost for future dairy leaders. 

“The National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and over that period, the organization has provided more than 1,000 scholarships to future dairy leaders totaling more than $1 million.”

This milestone highlights the ongoing need for support and encouragement for young dairy professionals. The achievements of these scholarship recipients, who were celebrated at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet, point towards a bright future for the dairy industry.

Spotlight on Future Dairy Leaders: A Night of Recognition and Celebration 

The National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet is a critical event in the dairy industry. This year, it’s on Monday, September 30th, in Madison, Wisconsin. The banquet celebrates scholarship recipients’ achievements and contributions to the dairy field. It’s a special occasion that honors future industry leaders and unites a community passionate about advancing dairy sciences. Attendees can connect, share insights, and celebrate the talented young individuals shaping the future of dairy.

A Legacy of Nurturing Dairy Leaders: 75 Years of Commitment and Growth

The National Dairy Shrine, founded in 1949, has been championing future dairy leaders for 75 years. The organization has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, totaling more than $1 million in financial aid. This commitment ensures the dairy industry remains vibrant and strong for future generations.

The Kildee Scholarship: Honoring a Legacy and Fostering Future Dairy Leaders

The Kildee Scholarship is a prestigious award for graduate students showing exceptional promise in dairy-related fields. Named after H.H. Kildee, Dean Emeritus at Iowa State University, it was the first scholarship offered by the National Dairy Shrine, starting in 1949. This award has long supported budding dairy professionals. 

This year’s recipient is Garrett Hastings from Chardon, Ohio. Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Ohio State University and will continue his education at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine this fall. His journey exemplifies the Kildee Scholarship’s mission: nurturing future leaders in the dairy industry.

Celebrating Leadership: The Senior Student Recognition Scholarships 

The Senior Student Recognition Scholarships honor exceptional leadership, activity participation, academic excellence, and dedication to the dairy industry. The scholarships, which are based on university nominations, vary in amount. 

The highest honor of $2000 went to Jack Hammock from Chatham, Virginia. Jack, a graduate of Virginia Tech in dairy science and dairy business management, aims to manage a dairy farm, focusing on sustainability. 

Paige Peiffer from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, received the $1500 award. She studied animal science at Penn State University and plans to enhance dairy production through improved cattle feed formulas. 

The $1000 award winners include: 

• Nicole Broege (dairy science, University of Wisconsin-Madison): Focused on dairy genetics to enhance herd quality.
• Kendal Jenkins (animal science, Penn State University): Aspires to innovate in dairy research and development.
• Madalyn Palmer (animal science, Iowa State University): Aims to manage a dairy farm using advanced technologies.
• Isaac Rott (animal science, University of Minnesota): Plans to be a dairy extension agent, supporting farmers.

Empowering Dairy’s Future: The Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarships

The Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarships support outstanding junior-level students in the dairy industry. Named after National Dairy Shrine Pioneer and Klussendorf winner Merton Sowerby, these awards promote academic and professional growth.  

The top award of $1500 goes to Ben Styer from Menomonie, Wisconsin, an animal science student with a dairy production focus at the University of Minnesota. Four other students receive $1000 each: 

• Natalie Roe: Dairy science and life sciences communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Megan Ratka: Animal Science, University of Minnesota
• Irene Nielsen: Dairy science, agricultural communications, and international agriculture, Iowa State University
• Haley Beukema: Agricultural communication and marketing, with minors in animal science and agriculture and food business management, University of Minnesota

The Mike Lancaster Scholarships: Recognizing Sophomore Prowess in Dairy Science

The Mike Lancaster Scholarships recognize standout sophomores at four-year colleges committed to dairy careers. Named after notable dairy cattle breeder Mike Lancaster, these scholarships support future dairy professionals. 

Lauren Breunig from Sauk City, Wisconsin, is this year’s top recipient, receiving $1500. She’s studying life sciences communication and has a certificate in agricultural business management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

The $1000 winners: 

• Laken DuRussel – Animal Science, Michigan State University
• Delana Erbsen – Dairy Science, Iowa State University
• Regan Jackson – Nutrition and Food Science, Louisiana State University
• Clarissa Ulness – Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Jenna Gries – Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

NDS/DMI Education & Communication Scholarships: Cultivating Expertise in Marketing and Communication

The National Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) scholarships support sophomore and junior students in four-year colleges or universities, focusing on education or communication careers in the dairy and food-related industries. These awards are open to marketing, food science, nutrition, public relations, education, social media, and communications majors. 

This year’s top honoree receives $1500, with five additional winners, each receiving $1000: 

• Kylie Konyn, University of Wisconsin-Madison – Dairy Science with certificates in Ag Business Management and Science Communications ($1500)
• Makenzie Alberts, South Dakota State University – Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Leadership
• Reagan Kime, Iowa State University – Agricultural and Rural Policy, International Agriculture, and Public Relations
• Gracie Ash, University of Minnesota – Agricultural Communications and Marketing
• Ainsley Noble, University of Wisconsin-River Falls – Agricultural Education
• Lauren Wangsness, University of Minnesota – Agricultural Communication and Marketing, minor in International Agriculture

Boosting Careers in Dairy: The NDS/DMI Milk Marketing & Dairy Products Scholarships

The NDS/DMI Milk Marketing & Dairy Products Scholarships encourage students to pursue careers in marketing, product development, quality control, and nutrition within the dairy industry. These awards support sophomore and junior four-year college or university students passionate about dairy market dynamics. 

The top award of $1500 goes to Sarah Hagenow of Poynette, Wisconsin, majoring in Agricultural and Food Business Management at the University of Minnesota. The $1000 recipients are: 

• Jordan Anderson (Agriculture Communications, University of Wyoming)
• Haven Hileman (Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University)
• Anthony Agueda (Agricultural Business, California State University, Fresno)

Honoring Maurice Core: Celebrating Freshman Commitment to Dairy Excellence

These scholarships, named in honor of Maurice Core, a key figure in the American Jersey Cattle Association and former Dairy Shrine leader, are designed to support freshman students majoring in dairy or animal science. Each recipient is awarded $1,000 to aid their academic journey. 

Meet the 2024 Maurice Core Scholarship recipients: 

• Natalie Clemenson – Dairy Science major, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
• Alexis Hoefs – Animal Science major, focusing on Dairy Production, University of Minnesota
• Tyler Ratka – Animal Science major, focusing on Dairy Production, University of Minnesota
• Garrett Ulness – Dairy Science major with an Agricultural Business certificate, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Iager Scholarships: Supporting Second-Year Agricultural Students with Future-Oriented Excellence

The Iager Scholarships, funded by the Charles Iager family, support second-year students in two-year agricultural schools focusing on animal or dairy science. Selection criteria include academic standing, leadership, interest in the dairy industry, and future career plans. 

This year, two students receive $1,000 each: 

• Anthony Diniz – Dairy Science at Modesto Junior College
• Aubrey Montgomery – Dairy Production and Management at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

The Dairy Shrine Dairy Production Scholarship: Nurturing Future Dairy Innovators

The Dairy Shrine Dairy Production Scholarship, sponsored by Cargill, supports undergraduates aiming for a career in dairy production with a $2500 award. 

This year’s recipient is Hunter Holewinski from Pulaski, Wisconsin. He studies dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a certificate in science communication. With this, Hunter is set to bring innovation to dairy farm management.

The Bottom Line

Celebrate the accomplishments of these stellar students and honor the legacy of the National Dairy Shrine. Your support can help nurture the next generation of dairy leaders. Consider donating to the National Dairy Shrine scholarship fund to expand these opportunities. Make your contribution online at www.campaign75.org.