Select Sires

Minnesota/Select Sires Honors Future Leaders With $500 Scholarships

Investing in the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, Minnesota Select Sires annually awards four $500 scholarships to deserving youth. Continuing their tradition of giving back to their members, the cooperative inaugurated the program last year. This year’s winners are: Elsa Arnold, daughter of Fred and Barbara Arnold, Caledonia, MN; Eric Merdan, son of John and Jane Merdan, Albany, MN; Jonathon Schmidt, son of Myron and Sandy Schmidt, Owatonna, MN; and Timothy Schroeder, son of John and Bev Schroeder, Courtland, MN.

A sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Elsa Arnold is majoring is Agricultural Business and focusing on dairy science. She believes "world markets present our biggest challenge and our biggest opportunity for the future." She is active in many campus activities such as Association of Women in Agriculture, dairy judging team, tutoring, wind ensemble, chorus, forensics. She was a recipient of the FFA American Farmer Degree and 4-H Key Award. James Gray, DVM, explains that "Elsa takes a very active part in her parent’s farming operation, especially the dairy and beef herds." He continues, "She has a phenomenal understanding of livestock production and a deep appreciation for the importance of agriculture." Eventually hoping to return to the home farm that has been in the family since 1889, Eric Merdan is majoring in Dairy Science (Management Option) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. With agriculture changing constantly, Eric feels there are always new ideas that can be implemented to improve a dairy operation and its profitability. He is pursuing a college education to obtain extensive knowledge about managing a dairy and dealing with the unique challenges the world of agriculture will be facing. A former employer John Eisenschenk calls Eric "a hard working, fast learning, responsible individual who is attentive to detail."

A dairy science major at Northeast Iowa Community College, Jonathon Schmidt will be receiving his associate degree in Applied Sciences in May and will be returning home to manage the family farm of 40 cows. He plans to gradually increase the herd size to 300 cows. Jonathon already owns a few registered Holsteins and wants to start merchandising them in the future. He has set realistic goals and understands the challenges he will be facing. Gary Lien has been hiring employees for his dairy nearly 16 years and "ranks Jon at the top." He notes that Jonathon is dependable, conscientious, self-motivated and has the ability to make the right decisions.

Another sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Timothy Schroeder is studying Ag Business while exploring several options in the management and economics areas. He’s active in the Dairy Club, Judging Team, FFA, 4-H, Holstein Association, County Fair and showing cattle. He has already developed a small herd of dairy cattle and won the State FFA Award for Entrepreneurship Dairy Proficiency. Because his older brother has joined his parents on the home farm, Timothy is not sure if returning home will be an option when he graduates. But with his major and background, Timothy feels there are many opportunities available. One of Timothy’s university instructors notes that he "has embarked upon a rigorous academic program" and "his classroom performance reflects both his outstanding intellect and sound work ethic."

If you’re interested in next year’s scholarships, applications are due October 31, 2002. To qualify, you must be a family member of a current Minnesota Select Sires member/customer and be completing at least the first semester of your second year in a two or four year program. You must submit an application, references and grade transcripts as wells as write an essay. For more information, contact Minnesota Select Sires (800) 795-1233.

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