LaSalle Co. Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships offered

OTTAWA - The LaSalle County Farm Bureau Foundation will award a $1,500 scholarship to a college student who plans to further his/her education in agriculture. To be considered a candidate for the 2018 scholarship, an applicant must:

* Be enrolled in an accredited college/university or vocational-technical school studying agriculture.

* Be a LaSalle County Farm Bureau member (or a dependent of a member) for one full year.

* Be a resident of Illinois.

* Submit a completed application. Any applications turned in incomplete will be discarded; this includes all items requested.

* All applications must be typed.

High School Scholarship

The Foundation will also award a $1,500 scholarship to a high school senior who plans to further his/her education in agriculture. To be considered a candidate for the 2018 scholarship, an applicant must:

* Be a high school senior who will graduate from high school this spring.

* Be a LaSalle County Farm Bureau member (or a dependent of a member) for one full year.

* Be a resident of Illinois.

* Submit a completed typed application.

Incomplete applications will be discarded, this includes all items requested.

Scholarship applications for both college and high school students must be received at the LaSalle County Farm Bureau office by 4:30 p.m. on March 26. They may be dropped off or mailed to: Kayla Hinrichs, 4201 N. Columbus St., Ottawa, IL 61350. Applications are available on the LaSalle County Farm Bureau website at www.lcfb.org.

ISA scholarships available to crop sciences students 

BLOOMINGTON – Applications are now available for the 2018-19 crop sciences scholarships. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program crop science scholarships are offered each year to students entering their junior year of college and studying a crop science or related field.

The crop sciences scholarship is offered each year by ISA in coordination with the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Foundation. The scholarship is open to students studying crop sciences at one of the state’s four agriculture universities: Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University of Illinois and Western Illinois University. 

Crop sciences majors include entomology, plant diseases, weed science, plant breeding and biotechnology, soil fertility and crop husbandry and private, public and government research.

“This scholarship provides opportunities to partner with students and encourage their interests in a future career in soybean research,” says ISA Director of Strategic Research Programs Linda Kull. “We are pleased to provide students with scholarship support that has future potential to positively impact Illinois soybean farmers.”

Up to five college students will be awarded scholarships of $4,000 per year based on exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. Awardees are eligible for renewal the second year based on successful reapplication and meeting all renewal requirements.

“Crop sciences is an area of study that needs talented students who want to work in soybean research and development. This can lead to innovative solutions that meet consumers’ and farmers’ goals,” said Jenny Mennenga, soybean farmer and chairwoman of the ISA Production and Outreach Committee. “Providing scholarships is an investment in the future of farmers like me. We hope students pursue crop science careers. It is an exciting field.”

Applications are due Feb. 1, 2018. In March, the ISA Scholarship Committee will conduct applicant interviews in Bloomington. Winners will be announced May 1. To apply, visit www.iaafoundation.org/scholarships or contact Angel Terrell at the ISA office, (309) 808-3600.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, issues analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. through the Illinois Soybean Growers.

ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.