The Minnesota Milk Producers Association, the state’s most prominent dairy advocacy group, today announced that 15 outstanding individuals from the state are receiving scholarships for post-secondary education.

The association has awarded scholarships since 2006; the total this year is $15,000.

“Minnesota Milk continues to invest in the future by providing these scholarships,” Lucas Sjostrom, the association’s executive director, said. “We’re excited to see these students’ two- and four-year paths grow into fruitful careers that benefit the dairy industry.”

The 2023 scholarship recipients:

• Adam Wilwerding, of Freeport, attending South Dakota State University, studying mechanical 3engineering and agricultural business, son of James Wilwerding and Sarah Overby.
   
• Brooke Moorse, of Minneota, attending South Dakota State University, studying agricultural education and the dairy industry, daughter of Greg and Becky Moorse.
   
• Cody Post, of Lake Wilson, attending Ridgewater College, studying dairy management, son of Grant and April Post.
   
• Elizabeth Griebel, of New Ulm, attending Dordt University, studying animal science, daughter of Michael and Jenna Griebel.
   
• Ethan Beaudry, Otsego, attending Ridgewater College, studying farm business and management, son of Brian and Theresa Beaudry.
   
• Hailey Klimek, of Alexandria, attending Ridgewater College, studying veterinary technology and agriculture science and technology, daughter of Alan and Jessica Klimek.
   
• Isaac Kerfeld, of Melrose, attending Alexandria Technical & Community College, studying diesel mechanics, son of Tim and Carrie Kerfeld.
   
• Jessica Willegal, of Gibbon, attending South Dakota State University, studying agricultural education and animal science, daughter of Mike and Jennifer Willegal.
   
• Katelyn Welgraven, of Ruthton, attending University of South Dakota, studying mathematics education, daughter of Keith and Jeanna Welgraven.
   
• Mallory Miller, of Wyoming, attending University of Minnesota Crookston, studying animal science with an emphasis in pre-vet, daughter of Laurie and Jim Miller.
   
• Malorie Thorson, of Waverly, attending South Dakota State University, studying dairy production and agricultural leadership, daughter of Andrew and Colette Thorson.
   
• Megan Greden, of Altura, attending Rochester Community and Technical College, studying business management and coaching, daughter of Ross and Vicky Greden.
   
• Meg Wiebe, of Northfield, attending South Dakota State University, studying dairy production and animal health, daughter of Tj and Jamie Wiebe.
   
• Rena Johnson, of Buffalo, attending University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, studying agricultural education and agronomy, daughter of Merissa Johnson.
   
• Zack Fier, of Taunton, attending Lake Area Technical College, studying agriculture dairy option, son of Kevin and Mindy Fier.

Every year, money is raised during the Minnesota Milk Cup, the group’s annual golf outings. Scholarship applications are due each June.