The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) recognized scholarship recipients during the organization’s annual meeting held on February 2 in conjunction with the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisc. Dells. Nine high school seniors and college students were awarded a total of $3000 in scholarships.
WPA Scholarship
This scholarship is presented each year to high school seniors pursuing further education with an interest in agriculture. Five finalists were selected from the applications received.
The 2017 recipient of the $500 WPA scholarship is Austin Lynd, son of Darren and Laura Lynd, Janesville. Austin grew up raising show pigs on his family’s farm and has always been involved in the daily care of the animals. He is a member of several pork industry organizations and has demonstrated leadership through 4-H, FFA and in the show ring. In the future, Austin hopes to one day take over his family’s show pig farm.
The other finalists, listed below, were also recognized and awarded $250 scholarships.
- Jorydn Delzer, daughter of Jerry and Kim Delzer, Argyle
- Lillian Feider, daughter of Timothy and Angela Feider, New Holstein
- Morgan Fitzsimmons, daughter of Scott and Emily Fitzsimmons, Mineral Point
- Shelby Veum, daughter of Kenny and Cindy Veum, Stoughton
Whitmore Memorial Scholarship
The Whitmore Memorial Scholarship was established as a legacy to the late Rex Whitmore, a master statesman and communicator who served as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Association. Applicants for this scholarship must be a junior or senior at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville or UW-River Falls. Each university selects a candidate to represent their school in the selection of this scholarship.
The $500 scholarship was awarded to Katelyn Zeamer. Katelyn is a senior at UW-River Falls majoring in animal science with an emphasis on meat animal management. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and find a career as a swine nutritionist.
In addition, finalists Stephanie Van Asten, a junior majoring in animal science at UW-Platteville and Dakota Walker, a UW-Madison senior majoring in animal sciences and life sciences communications, were each awarded a $250 scholarship.
Gunderson Memorial Scholarship
The Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, established a scholarship program in 2007 to recognize the many contributions that Buell Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. Gunderson, together with his wife, Bernice, served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Wisconsin Pork Association for 20 plus years and assisted in growing the organization from its initial roots to the successful organization that it is today–sponsoring scholarships, developing youth programs and helping to support the pork producers of the state.
Individuals who have shown considerable dedication and involvement to the pork industry are eligible for this scholarship. Consideration is given to youth who have established their own production herd, been involved on their family operation, or shown specific interest in pork production or livestock judging.
Ben Veum, Stoughton, is the 2017 Gunderson Memorial Scholarship recipient. Ben has grown up helping raise show pigs on his family’s farm and has held leadership roles in several industry organizations. He is currently a junior studying animal science at Iowa State University with an emphasis on swine and nutrition. After completing his degree, he hopes to pursue a career in the swine genetics or nutrition. He also hopes to one day have is own seedstock operation.
The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.
