SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Milk Producers Association, the state’s most prominent dairy advocacy group, today announced the recipients of its annual scholarship program. Six individuals will receive $2,000 scholarship awards to continue their education in the dairy industry.

“Since starting this program in 2006, we continue to invest in the future of the next generation by helping support secondary education,” Garrett Luthens, the association’s board president, said. “We’re thrilled to see how passionate students are about agriculture around the state, and we’re proud to assist in their path toward future careers in the dairy industry.”

The 2024 scholarship recipients:

  • JoHannah Gehrke, Beckman Farms, attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls to study animal science. She aspires to be a state inspector.
  • Alexis Hoefs, Hoefs Dairy, LLC, attending the University of Minnesota to study animal science and ag communications and marketing. She plans to work in the dairy industry focusing on animal genetics and reproduction.
  • Sophie Stelling, Stelling Farms, attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls to study dairy science management and ag business. In the future, she plans to return to her family’s dairy farm as a next-generation owner.
  • Bryce Haubenschild, Haubenschild Farm Dairy, Inc., attending South Dakota State University and studying to become an agricultural systems technician. He also plans to return home to become a partner on the family farm.
  • Rylie Sexton, Sexton Farms, attending South Dakota State University to study animal science and Spanish. She aspires to become a large animal veterinarian.
  • Joseph Achen, Silverstreak Dairies, LLP, attending Iowa State University to study agricultural business. He plans to be active in the dairy industry by educating and inspiring young people to develop a passion for agriculture.

Each student is a dependent of a current MMPA farmer member or employee of a farmer member and has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities, academic achievement and involvement in the dairy industry.

Photos:

JoHannah Gehrke photo

Alexis Hoefs photo

Sophie Stelling photo

Bryce Haubenschild photo

Rylie Sexton photo

Joseph Achen photo

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