The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
Premier Select Sires awarded over $20,000 to students through the 2025 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two students received $2,500 scholarships through the Wayne Dudley Scholarship and the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship. Nineteen other students received scholarships of $500 to $1,500 in value. Eight students received an Honorable Mention with a $100 cash award.
Sarah Diehl of McVeytown, PA is the daughter of Joe and Kristen Diehl. She is the recipient of the $2500 Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Sarah is from Musser Run Jerseys, a Registered Jersey farm milking 217 cows. She is a student at Virginia Tech studying Dairy Science. After college, Sarah hopes to enroll in veterinary school to become a large animal veterinarian. She wants to help farmers improve herd health and become more profitable, and she wants to help to ensure that the agriculture industry thrives for generations to come. She also hopes to remain involved on her family's dairy farm.
Anna Longenecker of Williamsburg, PA is the daughter of Douglas and Yvette Longenecker. She is the recipient of the $2500 Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship. Anna is from Penn England LLC, a dairy farm milking 2130 cows. She is a senior at Central High School and plans to attend Penn State University to study Agribusiness Management. After college, Anna's long-term goal is to return to her family's farm and take over the financial and business responsibilities, eventually becoming an owner. Before returning, she hopes to obtain a job for a few years in the financial agricultural world to bring more experience and fresh ideas back to the farm.
Claire Fogler of Exeter, ME is the daughter of Kathryn and Travis Fogler. Claire is from Stonyvale Farm, a Holstein operation with 1150 mature cows. She is a senior at Dexter Regional High School and plans to attend Iowa State University to study Dairy Science. After college, Claire plans to return to her family’s farm and eventually assume the role of herd manager. She is committed to contributing to the farm's continued success and sustainability while managing the herd with a focus on efficiency, animal welfare, and product quality.
Jordan Anderson of Centre Hall, PA is the daughter of Donald and Angela Anderson. Jordan is from Locust Rock Farm/Cabaret Cattle Company, a Holstein and Jersey herd with 15 head. She is a student at the University of Wyoming studying Agriculture Communications. After college, Jordan plans to pursue a career in agriculture, and she hopes to obtain a role that allows her to advocate for the industry and give hardworking farmers a voice that reaches consumers. She is also interested in working within the marketing and communications department of an agriculture company.
Joseph Coltrane of Pleasant Garden, NC is the son of David and Amy Coltrane. Joseph is from Coltrane Dairy LLC, a dairy farm milking 600 cows. He is a student at North Carolina State University studying Agriculture Science. After college, Joseph plans to return to his family's farm and use his degree to improve the operation and grow it to new levels. He hopes to continue his family's efforts and pass the farm on for generations to come.
Lemuel Coltrane of Pleasant Garden, NC is the son of David and Amy Coltrane. Lemuel is from Coltrane Dairy LLC, a dairy farm milking 600 cows. He is a student at North Carolina State University studying Agriculture Science. After college, Lemuel plans to return to his family's farm. He looks forward to bringing new skills, technology, and management practices to the farm to improve it and pass it along to the next generations.
Hayley Daubert of Dayton, VA is the daughter of Jeremy and Becky Daubert. Hayley is from Stox Dairy, a farm with 20 head of cattle. She is a student at South Dakota State University studying Dairy Manufacturing. After college, Haley plans to combine her passion for the dairy industry with her interest in helping those around her stay safe through a safety manager role at a dairy processing facility. She looks forward to her summer job as a food safety intern for Sargento Cheese to gain experience, skills, and connections.
Chelsea Empet of Kingsley, PA is the daughter of Richard and Dana Empet. Chelsea is from Empet Farm, a dairy farm milking 155 cows. She is a senior at Mountain View Jr/Sr High School and plans to attend college to study Animal Science/Ag Business. After college, Chelsea plans to remain in the agriculture industry whether it is on the animal care side, through business and financial management, or scientific research. She hopes to gain knowledge in school that will help her be ready for a career to help farmers make responsible and well-informed business and financial decisions.
Regan Jackson of Boyce, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Laura Jackson. Regan is from Waverly Farm/Windy Knoll View, a Registered Holstein and Jersey farm milking 115 cows. She is a student at Louisiana State University studying Nutrition & Food Science with a minor in Biology. After completing her degree, Reagan plans to attend nursing school and find a specialty in medicine to be a trusted spokesperson and voice for production agriculture. She wants to be an advocate to educate doctors and patients about the health benefits of our country's wholesome and safe agricultural products such as real dairy and beef. She also hopes to continue helping on her family's farm.
Madison Mowrer of Petersburg, PA is the daughter of Erica and Nathan Mowrer. Madison is from Mowrer Farms, a dairy farm milking 400 cows. She is a senior at Juniata Valley High School and plans to attend Penn State University to study Animal Science. After college, Madison hopes to further pursue her passion for the dairy industry. She has gained experience in dairy promotion and checkoff programs and has a special interest in serving farmers through organizations such as the American Dairy Association.
Rachel Craun of Mt. Crawford, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Patti Craun. Rachel is from Van Ike Farm, a Holstein and Angus operation with 30 head of cattle. She is a student at Purdue University studying Agricultural and Biological Engineering. After college, Rachel plans to work as an agricultural engineer, focusing on conservation projects. She wants to be a leader in developing innovative solutions to natural resource challenges.
Addison Harpster of Spruce Creek, PA is the daughter of Meg and Aaron Harpster. Addison is from Evergreen Farms, a dairy farm with 7400 head of cattle. She is a senior at State College Area High School and plans to attend college to study Ag Business Management. After college, Addison wants to work directly with farmers and help them get their products into stores. Through her high school agriculture classes, she's gained an interest in food production and how products get from the farm to the consumer, and she looks forward to gaining a greater understanding about industry, marketing, and supply chains through her college courses.
Katelyn Heckman of Kutztown, PA is the daughter of Tracie and Christopher Heckman. Katelyn is from TBM Farm, a dairy farm milking 150 cows. She is a student at Penn State University studying Animal Science. After college, Katelyn hopes to pursue a career involving dairy genetics and science. She is considering going to veterinary school for large animal medicine. She also plans to stay involved in her family's farm.
Brailey Livingston of New Haven, VT is the daughter of Philip and Dawn-Marie Livingston. Brailey is from Rail View Dairy, a dairy farm with 1639 head of cattle. She is a senior at Mt. Abraham Union High School and plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill to study Dairy Production and Management. After college, Brailey plans to take a permanent role on her family's dairy farm. She would like to co-manage the farm with her father.
Eli Merry of Arkport, NY is the son of Andrew and Jennifer Merry. Eli is from Lismore Dairy, a dairy farm milking 4150 cows. He is a senior at Arkport Central School District and plans to attend college to study Animal Science. After college, Eli would like to return to his family's dairy operation. He wants to help his family continue to implement new ideas into the operation to make it more sustainable, promoting efficiency and stimulating growth in the business.
Joleigh Nailor of Mechanicsburg, PA is the daughter of Jason and Sherisa Nailor. Joleigh is from J&S Dairy, a Holstein and Milking Shorthorn herd with 200 head of cattle. She is a senior at Cumberland Valley High School and plans to attend Penn State University to study Animal Science. After college, Joleigh would like to work in cattle genetics and reproduction. She hopes to work for a semen company selling semen, spreading awareness and knowledge of genetics, and breeding cattle. She wants to work with farmers firsthand to help them reach operational goals.
Alexis Schultz of Marion, NY is the daughter of Shane and Shannon Schultz. Alexis is from Ranway Farms LLC, a Holstein and Jersey herd with 250 head of cattle. She is a senior at Marion Junior/Senior High School and plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill or Penn State University to study Agricultural Business. After college, Alexis plans to work in the financial and business aspects of the dairy or agricultural industry. She looks forward to learning more and honing her career skills as she begins her college courses. She also looks forward to continuing showing dairy cattle.
Nicole Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, PA is the daughter of Thomas and Amanda Arrowsmith. Nicole is from Hillacres Jerseys, a dairy farm milking 60 cows. She is a student at Penn State University studying Agribusiness Management. After college, Nicole hopes to return to her family's farm operation. She has been taking business-oriented courses that will help her continue and improve their farm, cheese-processing business, and beef business.
Sarah Craun of Mt. Crawford, VA is the daughter of Kevin and Patti Craun. Sarah is from Van Ike Farm, a Holstein and Angus operation with 30 head of cattle. She is a senior at Turner Ashby High School and plans to attend Blinn College to study Animal Science. After college, Sarah is interested in working for a company specializing in livestock pharmaceuticals. She is passionate about preserving the industry for future generations and searching for ways to improve sustainability.
Ava Neville of Little Meadows, PA is the daughter of Chris and Katie Neville. Ava is from Vin-Deb Dairy, a dairy farm with 125 head of cattle. She is a student at Penn State University studying Animal Science. After college, Ava would like to return to her roots and build a fulfilling career in the dairy industry. She hopes to specialize in calf and heifer nutrition management and consulting, or genetic consulting. She also aspires to establish a small herd of high-quality animals.
Willis Rinehardt of Exeter, ME is the son of Brian and Liza Rienhardt. Willis is from Stonyvale Farm, a dairy farm with 1150 mature cows. He is a senior at Dexter Regional High School and plans to attend South Dakota State University to study Precision Agriculture. After college, Willis plans to return to his family farm and apply the knowledge he's gained from school to help grow and sustain the operation for future generations. By integrating modern techniques such as precision farming, he aims to improve productivity, enhance soil health, and minimize environmental impact.
Honorable Mentions
- Sara Dreibelbis, Lawrenceville, PA
- Danielle Heltzel, Martinsburg, PA
- Taydem Mitzner, Penokee, KS
- Nicole Non, Pleasant Mt., PA
- Skylar Peiffer, Lebanon, PA
- Adria Russell, Alexandria, PA
- Ainsley Sellers, Lebanon, PA
- Natalie Yoder, Belleville, PA
The Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program provides financial support to eligible students pursuing agricultural education, and it also provides additional return to the cooperative’s member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the agriculture industry. The Premier Select Sires board of directors has made a commitment to providing money to support this scholarship program on an ongoing annual basis.
Premier Select Sires is a farmer-owned cooperative that serves beef and dairy producers in its 23-state member area. Dedicated to providing its members with all they need to achieve success, Premier provides:
- Industry-leading genetics from the Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics, and GenerVations brands
- Effective herd health and management products, as well as artificial insemination supplies
- Reliable services and programs backed by years of success
- Knowledgeable industry experts who are easily accessed for consultation, advice, and on-farm assistance
Together with its two sister cooperatives, Premier owns and controls Select Sires Inc., the world’s most recognized name in bovine genetics.
®Your Success Our Passion is a registered trademark of Select Sires Inc.
