CSIF Offers Scholarships to Celebrate 15th Anniversary

04-30-2019 in Article

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – April 4, 2019 – Students interested in a career in agriculture have a new scholarship opportunity for the 2019-2020 school year through the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) special scholarship program in honor of the organization’s 15^th anniversary.

“In celebration of serving livestock farmers for 15 years, we’re awarding 15 scholarships, each worth $250, to encourage Iowa’s young people to enter livestock farming,” says CSIF Executive Director, Brian Waddingham. “Livestock farming offers young people a way to enter the farming profession and to bring a son or daughter back to the farm. That has a domino effect for rural communities – keeping young people in rural Iowa.”

Applicants must be high school seniors or currently enrolled for the fall term in a junior or community college, a four-year college or university or other accredited institution of higher education; must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA; and be an Iowa resident with interest or experience in agriculture. The scholarship must be applied to undergraduate studies. In addition, students must have demonstrated leadership through community service, organization or club involvement, and demonstrate strength of character.

Winners will be announced August 14 at the CSIF 15^th Anniversary celebration event to be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

“Livestock is so important to our state; Iowa leads the nation in production of hogs, corn, eggs and soybeans and ranks in the top 5 for red meat production, cattle on feed, cash receipts and total value of ag exports. And with one in five Iowa jobs directly tied to agriculture, it will continue to be a key industry in Iowa.”

Application deadline is May 15 and can be completed online at www.supportfarmers.com.

In addition to the online application, students must submit a resume, copy of his or her most recent high school or college transcript, at least one letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page essay detailing their involvement in agriculture and future plans.

“This is a great way we can help young people who have an interest in raising livestock with their education,” says Waddingham. “And a great way to celebrate CSIF’s 15-year milestone by looking to the future.”

CSIF was founded with the mission of working with Iowa farm families to provide guidance and help implement on-farm best-management practices for raising livestock responsibly and successfully. It has provided a no-cost and confidential service to more than 4,500 farm families since 2004.

The Coalition is a joint partnership of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, and Midwest Dairy. Additional funding is provided by more than 100 industry partners and sponsors.

The non-profit, non-partisan organization aids farmers at no cost.  CSIF does not lobby or develop policy.  Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the coalition at 1-800-932-2436.

For more information on the scholarship or CSIF programs, contact Gabby Glenister at the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, 515-225-5526 or gglenister@supportfarmers.com

(By Terri Queck-Matzie for CSIF. Queck-Matzie is a freelance writer from Greenfield).

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