Four high school seniors with bright futures in agriculture have been selected by the Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alliance and NYS FFA Foundation to receive the 2020 NEAFA Scholarship for Future Agriculturalists. The recipients are: Erin Armitage, Greenwich; Chelsie Fuller, Newark Valley; Hannah Laine Koval, Schuylerville; and Rachel Van Buren, Lowville.
Over the years, NEAFA‘s Good Works Program has awarded more than $100,000 to worthy causes that promote the advancement of the animal agriculture industry throughout the northeastern United States. Funded each year by proceeds from the Golf for Good Works Tournament, held in late June, the program has provided many opportunities to support worthy causes, particularly those that connect youth to agriculture.
This is the second year of awarding scholarships to worthy high school seniors who are entering the field of agriculture related to NEAFA’s core membership, said John Clark, president of the Alliance. Each recipient is awarded a $500 scholarship.
About the 2020 scholarship recipients:
Erin Armitage’s goal is to study agribusiness. She has applied to Virginia Tech, Cornell, Ohio State and SUNY Morrisville.
“Whether I am showing dairy cattle, advocating to lawmakers or informing the public, I truly enjoy every aspect that agriculture has to offer,” Erin said. “I strongly believe that agriculture will play an even stronger role in the future.”
Chelsie Fuller has chosen to pursue a degree in agriculture education because she enjoys teaching and advocating for agriculture. She has applied to attend SUNY Dehli and SUNY Cobleskill.
“My experience in Junior Dairy Leaders, FFA and Dairy Promotion have only served to strengthen my commitment to ‘agvocating,’” Chelsie said.
Hannah Laine Koval grew up on a dairy farm in Saratoga County and has always loved being a part of the agricultural industry. She plans to study ag business management and has applied to Cornell, Pennsylvania State, SUNY Morrisville and SUNY Cobleskill.
“Whether it was showing cows at the fair, helping my parents at the barn or being a part of my local 4-H and FFA programs, since I was little, my life truly has revolved around being a part of agriculture,” Hannah said.
Rachel Van Buren considers herself fortunate to have grown up on a beef and dairy farm. She plans to study animal science and has applied to Cornell and SUNY Cobleskill.
“My family’s farm has played an essential role in developing my interest in animal science,” Rachel said. “At a young age, I found a passion for dairy cattle, especially registered Holsteins.”
The Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alliance (NEAFA) is a network of feed, seed, fertilizer, financial services, transportation, veterinary, nutritional services, and professional advisors committed to a thriving northeast agricultural community. NEAFA provides professional support to agribusiness through advocacy, collaboration and educational services.
For more information, please call NEAFA at 518-783-1322.