Scholarships awarded by Niman Ranch
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Niman Ranch is helping tomorrow’s farmers get a head start on furthering their education by awarding $85,000 in scholarships that will be shared between 23 students.
The scholarships were presented to students from Niman Ranch’s independent farm families during its Farmer Appreciation Dinner.
The funding acts as a way to raise awareness of the fact that farmers are getting older and the next generation of producers need help to succeed.
Niman Ranch is a network of about 700 farms throughout 28 states, raising beef, pork and lamb.
“Initiatives like the Next Generation Scholarship Fund within the Niman Ranch farm community contribute to keeping the average age of its farmers at 47-years old, which is more than ten years below the national average,” said Jeff Tripcian, Niman Ranch general manager, in a release. “We’re proud to support the next generation of farmers with the funds needed to get a higher education.”
The highest scholarship available is the $7,000 David Serfling Niman Ranch Memorial Scholarship.
Jaclynn Knutson
Photo: Niman Ranch
It was awarded to Centerville, South Dakota’s Jaclynn Knutson, who’s pursuing a double major in animal and agricultural sciences at South Dakota State University. She’s also minoring in ag business, marketing and agronomy.
“I am very honored to receive this award and excited to use my college experience to advance the pork industry,” she said.