Dairy farmers are committed to their communities and giving back to the next generation. With 24 applicants this year, Dairy MAX has awarded $7,500 in scholarships to three regional students who have ties to the dairy industry and are planning to continue their education in the agriculture industry.
The 2023 scholarship recipients are Layne Burnett of Carpenter, Wyoming, Carmen Kuiper of Hico, Texas, and Abby van Adrichem of Hereford, Texas. Each recipient was awarded $2,500 in scholarships for their college education. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in agriculture.
“Dairy farmers know the value of investing in the future,” said Todd Green, vice president of industry image and relations at Dairy MAX. “The Dairy MAX scholarship program allows the organization to support the next generation of the dairy industry and play a role in these young people advancing their education. We are honored to have these three students represent Dairy MAX and the industry.”
The three scholarship winners are:
Layne Burnett grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Carpenter, Wyoming. When she is not busy with her various club involvements as a junior at Texas Tech University, Burnett can be found at the farm doing day-to-day tasks managing the herd and farm data. She studies agricultural communications and plans to use her skills to serve the dairy industry.
Carmen Kuiper will be a freshman at Oklahoma State University and plans to study animal science with a concentration in production and a minor in agricultural economics. Kuiper is an active FFA member and the Texas FFA Area IV Secretary. Outside of her involvement in school and FFA, Kuiper plays an active role on her family’s dairy farm and helps coach her local 4-H Dairy Judging Team. Kuiper aims to use her time at Oklahoma State University to work with and learn from different dairy operations and ultimately own her dairy farm.
Abby van Adrichem will be a freshman at Texas A&M University and plans to study animal science. When she is not working on her family’s dairy, van Adrichem is active in FFA and band. She works part-time at a local feed store and volunteers at her community’s animal shelter. After completing her college education, van Adrichem hopes to return to the family dairy.
A total of 24 scholarship applications underwent an in-depth judging process. To be eligible for the Dairy MAX scholarship, students must reside in the Dairy MAX region, be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student currently enrolled in college and be a child of a dairy farmer, child of a dairy farm employee, or an FFA or 4-H dairy show participant.
“These three students represent the dairy industry well. Their knowledge of the industry and efforts in furthering their education make them assets to the dairy industry. We are honored to be a part of their success,” said Green.
Investing in the recipients’ education propels dairy forward to continue feeding the world while nourishing communities. The 2024 Dairy MAX Scholarship application will open in January 2024.
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