Midwest Dairy awards five Illinois division scholarships to college students

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Midwest Dairy is rewarding five students from Illinois with $1,000 this fall at the college or university of their choice.

Recipients were chosen based on their involvement in the dairy industry, leadership, career plans and academic standing.

“I am grateful for the generosity of Midwest Dairy in extending to me the Illinois division scholarship,” said Allyson Aves, from Iowa State University.

“My passion for the people, cows and products of the dairy industry began through growing up on my family’s dairy farm in Belvidere, Illinois, and only increases as I mature as a professional in the industry, making a scholarship from Midwest Dairy especially meaningful to me.”

Midwest Dairy has awarded scholarships to many students across the 10-state region who are studying in dairy-related majors.

It’s all part of the organization’s continued commitment to invest in creating dairy advocates, as well as developing the next generation of dairy leaders.

“This is a gifted group of recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to building up the dairy industry,” said Kendra Anderson, farmer relations manager for Midwest Dairy in Illinois.

“It’s a privilege to recognize their achievements and hard work and we can’t wait to see what they do with their education and the innovation they will bring to the dairy industry.”

Allyson Aves

Allyson Aves, of Belvidere, will be majoring in agriculture and rural policy studies and minoring in food science and political science at Iowa State this fall.

Aves has been involved in both FFA and 4-H as president and is also a member of the Illinois Livestock Ambassador Team.

She plans to pursue law school and dedicate herself to a career in advocacy for policy solutions for producers and as an estate planning attorney for farmers later in life.

Cassie Bohnert

Cassie Bohnert, of East Moline, will be a student at Iowa State in the fall studying dairy science and Spanish.

Bohnert was a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the American Jersey Cattle Association.

She plans to work as a herdsman at a progressive dairy farm after graduation where she can then bring these skills back to her family’s farm.

Benjamin Bremmer

Benjamin Bremmer, of Pearl City, will be attending the University of Illinois studying agribusiness markets and management.

Bremmer is a highly involved FFA member, as well as in 4-H. He is a member of the Illinois Junior Holstein Association and has shown his Holsteins at the district show every year since eligibility.

He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and return home to the family farm where he hopes to increase their dairy herd.

Nevin Erbsen

Nevin Erbsen, of Lanark, will be attending Iowa State in the fall where he will pursue a degree in agricultural systems technology.

During high school, he was involved in FFA and 4-H. Erbsen was also a mentor and local- and state-level contest participant through his membership in the Illinois Junior Holstein Association.

In the future, he hopes to promote the positive benefits in the dairy and food industries and help to address the needs at the local, state and national levels.

Wyatt Zehr

Wyatt Zehr, of Pontiac, will be studying dairy manufacturing and food safety at South Dakota State University in the fall.

Zehr’s involvement in FFA and 4-H in high school helped pave the way for his involvement in the SDSU dairy club and Farmhouse Fraternity at his university.

His goal is to help dairy facilities produce a good quality product to the consumer and increase the market share of milk.

More Info

High School seniors and college students can apply for the Illinois division scholarship starting in January.

In order to be eligible, the student or parent or guardian must own or work on a dairy farm located in Illinois.

For more information about the scholarship program, visit midwestdairy.com.