The New York Farm Bureau has recently unveiled the names of the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Agricultural Youth Scholarship. This esteemed scholarship recognizes the outstanding achievements of two exceptional high school seniors from various regions across the state.
The scholarship program requires students to hold a family or student Farm Bureau membership. Winners were selected in 11 districts based on their exceptional essay submissions and applications, which highlighted their active involvement in agriculture and their communities. The district winners then competed for the two statewide scholarships.
Jacob Ziehm from Schaghticoke, NY, emerged as the first-place state winner. Representing the Washington County Farm Bureau, Jacob received a $3,000 scholarship.
He plans to pursue a degree in agri-business management at Michigan State University, with aspirations of either joining his family's farm as a partner or pursuing a career in agriculture. Jacob is actively engaged in various agricultural activities and holds leadership positions in organizations such as 4-H and the National Honor Society.
The second-place state winner is Holly Niefergold from Lawtons, NY. Her family's farm is a member of the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau. Holly was awarded a $2,000 scholarship and intends to major in agriculture business management at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.
She dreams of establishing her own agritourism business and possesses extensive experience in dairy farming, along with active participation in her community.
The New York Farm Bureau takes immense pride in supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals, nurturing a thriving agricultural community, and promoting a sustainable food system for all.
Photo Credit: New York Farm Bureau
Categories: New York, Business, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Sustainable Agriculture