Midwest Dairy is investing in the next generation of agricultural and dairy leaders through its 2026 scholarship program, awarding scholarships to more than 30 students across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota. The scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to the dairy industry while helping them pursue higher education at accredited colleges and universities. Recipients were selected by division review committees based on a combination of academic achievement, dairy industry participation, leadership experience, career goals, and community engagement. Scholarship support was provided through Midwest Dairy’s Ozark, Mo-Kan, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota divisions. In addition, Midwest Dairy also supports scholarship opportunities at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Minnesota Crookston, and North Dakota State University.
Ozark Division Awards Four Scholarships
The Ozark Division awarded four $1,000 scholarships to Missouri students pursuing degrees related to agriculture and animal science.
The 2026 Ozark Division Scholarship recipients are:
- Brock Gray, Mansfield, Missouri — Missouri State University, Agricultural Business Enterprise Management and Animal Science
- Emma Parrigon, Stotts City, Missouri — Missouri State University, Agricultural Communications and Animal Science
- Owen Pritchett, Mt. Vernon, Missouri — College of the Ozarks, Agricultural Education and Animal Science
- Brayden Reid, Concordia, Missouri — College of the Ozarks, Agricultural Education
Mo-Kan Division Awards Nine Scholarships
The Mo-Kan Division awarded nine scholarships to students from dairy farming families in Kansas and Missouri. Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and participation in the dairy industry.
The 2026 Mo-Kan Division Scholarship recipients are:
- Blaine Benfer, Longford, Kansas — Washburn University, Actuarial Science
- Lauren Benfer, Longford, Kansas — Southeast Community College, Livestock Management and Production
- Blaise Buessing, Axtell, Kansas — Fort Hays Tech North Central, Automotive Technology
- Ryan Freund, Concordia, Missouri — State Fair Community College, Agricultural Business
- Hadley Houk, Oskaloosa, Kansas — Northeast Iowa Community College, Dairy Science Technology
- Garrett Fincham, Marysville, Kansas — University of Nebraska, Construction Management
- Grant Fincham, Marysville, Kansas — University of Nebraska, Dairy Cattle Nutrition
- Katelyn Klipp, Hanover, Kansas — Iowa State University, Dairy Science
- Breanna Wells, Cheney, Kansas — Fort Hays State University, Animal Science
Iowa Division Awards Scholarships to 11 Students
The Iowa Division awarded scholarships to 11 students pursuing degrees at accredited colleges and universities. Recipients were selected based on leadership, dairy industry involvement, career goals, and academic achievement.
The 2026 Iowa Division Scholarship recipients are:
- Kalli Barber, DeWitt, Iowa — Iowa State University, Dairy Science
- Jadyn Beland, Kensett, Iowa — Iowa State University, Animal Science
- Natalie Hamlett, Aurora, Iowa — Iowa State University, Food Science
- Jillian Hanson, La Porte City, Iowa — Iowa State University, Animal Science
- Kelsey Hoeger, Earlville, Iowa — Iowa State University, Agricultural Communications
- Tyler Hoeger, Delhi, Iowa — Kirkwood Community College, Agricultural Science
- Gretchyn Kane, Coggon, Iowa — Kirkwood Community College, Business Administration
- Ethan Palmer, Waukon, Iowa — University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Animal Science
- Troy Schmitt, Fort Atkinson, Iowa — University of Northern Iowa, Accounting, Business Analytics, and Finance
- Hannah Scott, Westgate, Iowa — Iowa State University, Agricultural Communications
- Hanna Vagts, West Union, Iowa — Iowa State University, Animal Science
Additional scholarships will be awarded to the Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate following their reign after the Iowa State Fair.
Illinois Division Awards Five Scholarships
The Illinois Division awarded five scholarships to students pursuing degrees related to agriculture and the dairy industry.
The 2026 Illinois Division Scholarship recipients are:
- Cassandra Bohnert, East Moline, Illinois — Iowa State University, Dairy Science
- Alaina Dinderman, Orangeville, Illinois — University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Dairy Science
- Nevin Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois — Iowa State University, Agricultural Systems Technology
- Ellie Hildebrandt, South Beloit, Illinois — University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Agricultural Education
- Shayden Hogg, Highland, Illinois — Murray State University, Animal Science
South Dakota Division Awards Seven Scholarships
The South Dakota Division awarded seven scholarships totaling $10,000 to students enrolled in the South Dakota State University Dairy Science program.
The 2026 South Dakota Division Scholarship recipients are:
- Jodyn Bawek — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Jonotan Hernandez — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Ryan James — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Jenner Menezes — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Evelyn Scheffler — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Tyler Townsend — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
- Wyatt Zehr — South Dakota State University, Dairy Science
Investing in Future Leaders
Through its annual scholarship program, Midwest Dairy continues to support students who represent the future of agriculture, rural communities, and the dairy industry. By investing in education and leadership development, the organization is helping prepare the next generation of dairy advocates, agricultural professionals, and industry leaders. The 2026 scholarship recipients reflect the talent, dedication, and passion that will help shape the future of dairy across the Midwest.