Our duty as a farmer-owned cooperative is to encourage the next generation to share the story of agriculture.
It is our third year sponsoring the Direct Member Scholarship that provides $5,000 scholarships to three bright, incoming college freshmen who are either children or grandchildren of our direct producer members (Class B and D). These students’ passions lie in agriculture: a field of innovation, technology and science.
It is clear through the strong applications this year that kids with a direct connection to agriculture are passionate about sharing their story and driving the industry forward.
We extend our greatest gratitude to all the applicants this year: Your academic excellence and commitment to the profession of agriculture made the decision difficult.
2019 Direct Member Scholarship Winners:  

Lindsay Mendonca (of Mendonca Dairy): California State University-Fresno  

Lindsay Mendonca is from Tulare, California and plans to study Agriculture Business at California State University-Fresno. After she finishes her undergraduate degree, Mendonca hopes to attend law school to specialize in agricultural law and eventually run for office as an elected official. Mendonca is an officer of her local FFA chapter and is currently the District 9 First Alternate Dairy Princess.
“Since my freshman year of high school, I have dreamed of helping this industry and becoming a voice for our farmers,” said Mendonca. “I hope to give back to the industry that has provided so much for me and my family.”

Courtney Schrader (of Wil-O-Mar Farm): Salisbury University

Courtney Schrader is interested in studying business at Salisbury University in Maryland. She is from Earleville, Maryland. Schrader has been a member of her local 4-H-Club for several years and is now the president. She is the co-founder of an annual food drive that has collected over 638 pounds of food for her local food pantry. Schrader hopes to obtain a career in Human Resource Management supporting the agricultural community.
“Growing up on a registered Holstein farm on Maryland’s eastern shore, I know first-hand the value of working hard to accomplish goals,” said Schrader. “From daily jobs such as feeding calves to seasonal demands like filling the straw shed, farm work has definitely helped develop my character and persistence.”

Lindsey Brunmeier (of Brunmeier Dairy): Fox Valley Technical College

Lindsey Brunmeier is from Newton, Wisconsin. She plans to study Agribusiness & Science Technology with an emphasis in Animal Science at Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin. She is a member of the Valders FFA chapter where she volunteered at Kindergarten Day on the Farm for several years.
“I hope to share what I learn with others and bring new ideas to my family’s farm,” said Brunmeier. “Agriculture is constantly changing and implementing more technologies to become more efficient.” 

Remember for next year

Applications will open Jan. 15, 2020 and are due by March 15, 2020.
All students entering their first year of college or University who are connected to a direct member producer are eligible. Applications are available in the Community Involvement section of the Members home page.