Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently awarded over $75,500 in scholarships to students across the state.
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
Some students, such as Shane Griffith, Sophia Aultman and Josie Jennings, received multiple awards. All have plans to pursue demanding ag careers.
Griffith intends to be the sixth generation to operate his family’s farm in Jefferson County.
“This will be an enormous help in financing my college education. Without college I would struggle to take my farm into the next few decades,” Griffith said. “Advancements in equipment and automation are coming in leaps and bounds, and I want to be on the cutting edge. College will assist me in becoming the sixth generation to farm this land. I plan to use my education to make my farm successful and sustainable.”
Aultman of Darke County has her eye on public policy.
“By combining my passion for agriculture with expertise in environmental policy, I will work to bridge the gap between farming and legislation, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard and that policies reflect both agricultural needs and environmental responsibility,” she said. “Through this, I hope to make a lasting impact on the future of agriculture.”
Jennings of Clark County wants to help families ensure their farming future through succession planning.
“I plan to make a difference in the future of agriculture by working directly with farming families to build a strategic plan to transfer their assets from one generation to another,” Jennings said.
“I hope to inspire a future generation of agriculturists that values and accepts new, innovative thinking grounded in the value of preserving tradition.”
According to Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Board President Nathan Brown, the foundation has remained steadfast in its dedication, purposefully working to fulfill its mission to inspire and educate future leaders, such as these students, in agriculture.
“As we face growing demands across the food and farming industries, it’s more important than ever to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Investing in young people through scholarships is one of the most meaningful ways we can shape the future of agriculture,” Brown said. “These opportunities don’t just ease financial burdens—they open doors, spark ambition, and give students the confidence to take bold steps in their agricultural journey. I’m continually inspired by the passion, talent and dedication these students bring. Their commitment to improving Ohio’s agricultural landscape is both impressive and reassuring. We’re proud to support the next generation as they grow into the leaders and innovators our industry needs.”
Emma Core, Allen County
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship
Josie Jennings, Clark County
Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Wyatt Morrow, Clinton County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Sophia Aultman, Darke County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship
Morgan Anderson, Fairfield County
Bill and Helen Swank Scholarship
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Alaina Bell, Fairfield County
The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Scholarship
Delaney Moore, Fairfield County
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Richard and Carole Cocks Scholarship
Eric Taylor, Fayette County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Clara Faulkner, Franklin County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Chloe Anderson, Hardin County
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Dillon Dulin, Hardin County
Lou Ann Putnam Harrold Memorial Scholarship Fund for Hardin County
Garrett Houin, Holmes County
Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship
Corissa Griffith, Jefferson County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Shane Griffith, Jefferson County
David E. Mizer Memorial Scholarship
Kenny Walter Scholarship Fund
Adele Dowdell, Lorain County
Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Ruth Howells, Lorain County
Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Garrett Schlechter, Lorain County
Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Allison Knapke, Mercer County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Julia Silvus, Morgan County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Eli McDonald, Muskingum County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Delaney Bell, Muskingum County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Gracie Sprague, Ottawa County
Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship
Richard and Carole Cocks Scholarship
Colton Beckstedt, Perry County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Claire Phillip, Portage County
Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship
Jack Adelman, Portage County
Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship
Harrison Blay, Portage County
Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship
Sarah Hoak, Richland County
Darwin Bryan Scholarship
Ruth Beery, Ross County
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Haven Hileman, Scioto County
Richard and Carole Cocks Scholarship
Cortney Copeland, Shelby County
The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Scholarship
Samantha Kaufman, Summit County
Mularcik Welding Scholarship for Summit County
Adeline Kendle, Tuscarawas County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Allison Kendle, Tuscarawas County
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award
Kenny Walter Scholarship Fund
Lexi Troyer, Tuscarawas County
Dr. David A. Benfield Scholarship
Rebekah Gwynne, Warren County
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Marguerite Fulton, Washington County
Kenny Walter Scholarship Fund
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholars Award.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation annually awards scholarships to students planning to pursue careers in agriculture and to adults seeking continuing education in agriculture-related studies. To support the future of agriculture throughout Ohio, each county has a scholarship fund to allot to its local students. Other scholarships focus on specific issues such as women’s leadership in agriculture, livestock and crop sciences at the Agricultural Technical Institute, sheep production and management, and more. Applications open Jan. 1 each year.
The 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational raised $115,000 for foundation scholarships, grants and programs that help enhance agricultural communities and support careers in agriculture.
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Shane Griffith, Sophia Aultman and Josie Jennings, received multiple awards. All have plans to pursue demanding ag careers.
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The foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
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The 2025 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational takes place June 23 at Scioto Reserve Country Club in Powell. Tara Durbin is this year’s honoree.
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The grants aim to ensure that creative young farmers can access opportunities and use their skills to alleviate the difficulties facing agriculture today.
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The grants are designed to find creative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today, and generate deeper public understanding of farming and the ways that agriculture impacts our nation and communities.
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The ExploreAg program is free to all high school students. The deadline to apply is April 30 at exploreag.org.
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A new internship program, supported by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, connects local students with hands-on agricultural experiences, workforce readiness training, and mentorship from area industry professionals.
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The award is for students who are pursuing a certification, accreditation or a degree related to welding. Apply by March 31.
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Buckeye Local is pioneering a new standard in rural education innovation, merging physical infrastructure with curricular advancements to deepen students’ interest in agriculture and its extensive career options.
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