Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently awarded scholarships to recipients pursuing further education in an agriculture-related industry. Scholarships were awarded in amounts between $1,000-$2,200. Recipients receive the award after their first academic term at their listed college or university.

Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship Fund: Established in 2011, the objective of the fund is to assist students who plan to pursue careers focusing on agriculture, community service and association leadership. This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Brittany Conkey, Defiance County, University of Findlay
  • Christine Balint, Erie County, Ohio State University
  • Meredith Oglesby, Highland County, Ohio State University
  • Cassidy Corcoran, Ross County, University of Findlay

Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund: Established in 1985, it assists students who have been active in the Farm Bureau youth program and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Matthew Klopfenstein, Paulding County, Ohio State University
  • Sierra Jepsen, Fairfield County, Ohio State University
  • Meredith Oglesby, Highland County, Ohio State University
  • Hannah Jarvis, Columbiana County, Ohio State University
  • Todd Peterson, Fayette County, Ohio State University

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholar: The award recognizes students for academic effort, community service and career interests that use agriculture to enhance the partnership between producers and consumers in rural, suburban and/or urban settings. This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Garrett Stanfield, Adams County, Ohio State University
  • Clare Sollars, Fayette County, Southern State Community College
  • Rachel Cline, Jefferson County, Eastern Gateway Community College

The foundation’s Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship Program is awarded to applicants who may not be majoring in agriculture directly, but who must explain how their chosen career field will benefit a field related to agriculture or community development, such as food production, scientific research, education/outreach, marketing, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development. This year’s recipients are:

  • Melanie Fuhrmann, Scioto County, Ohio State University
  • Brianna Gwirtz, Richland County, Ohio State University
  • Christine Balint, Erie County, Ohio State University
  • Meredith Oglesby, Highland County, Ohio State University
  • Cassidy Corcoran, Ross County, University of Findlay

The John C. “Jack” Fisher Scholarship funds come from the contributions made to the Fisher Fund for Lifelong Learning. This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Christine Balint, Erie County, Ohio State University
  • Cassidy Corcoran, Ross County, University of Findlay
  • Matthew Klopfenstein, Paulding County, Ohio State University
  • Todd Peterson, Fayette County, Ohio State University
  • Brianna Gwirtz, Richland County, Ohio State University
  • Meredith Oglesby, Highland County, Ohio State University

Dr. Jack Judy Scholarship funds assist students who are in at least their second year of undergraduate study and have been active in the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and/or whose parents are members. This year’s scholarship recipient is:

  • Jacob Wenner, Delaware County, University of Wisconsin

The Ralph Grimshaw Scholarship is awarded annually by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Katie Frost, Fayette County, Ohio State University
  • Morgan Mazey, Wood County, University of Findlay
  • Kierstyn Wood, Wayne County, Ohio State University-ATI

The newest scholarship fund was established by the Walter family in memory of former Ohio Farm Bureau Regional Supervisor Kenny Walter. The Kenny Walter Scholarship’s first recipient is:

  • Kady Davis, Carroll County, Ohio State University

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely614-246-8230.

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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