(West Des Moines) The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has awarded 106 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors and college students who are continuing their education in agriculture-related fields. This includes 27 first-time recipients and 76 students who had their IFBF scholarships renewed for 2025.
Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, or $10,000, for students pursuing a two- or four-year degree at an accredited higher education institution, including community colleges and technical schools. Eligibility is based on Farm Bureau membership, academic achievement, financial need, community and extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation and demonstrated commitment to rural Iowa.
In addition, Isaac Sylvester of Ottumwa was awarded the Edward W. and Isabelle M. Klodt scholarship, a one-time $500 scholarship given to a student residing in Wapello County. Ellie Hartman of Dyersville and Cale Jensen of Plainfield were named Robert H. Rewoldt scholarship recipients, a $3,000 scholarship given to a student in northeast Iowa and renewable up to two years.
“We recognize the ability our youth to shape the future of agriculture and rural Iowa,” says Ronnette Vondrak, Iowa Farm Bureau community resources manager. “These scholarships are one way we support students who are passionate about making a difference—whether it’s through farming, research, ag business, community service, leadership or upcoming innovations. When one in five Iowa jobs is tied to agriculture, helping students pursue their goals means we’re also helping our rural communities grow stronger.”
First-time scholarship winners (listed alphabetically by hometown), parent names and future or current college:
-Aplington, Emma Wolff, Josh & Jenny Wolff, Iowa State University
-Boone, Kaylee Chesnut, Justin Chesnut, Iowa State University
-Correctionville, Andrea Knaack, Vernon & Karla Knaack, South Dakota State University
-Delta, Isaac Striegel, Daniel & Andrea Striegel, Iowa State University
-Donnellson, Jalyn Hawk, Joe & Joanie Hawk, St. Ambrose University
-Earlville, Kelsey Hoeger, Daniel & Donna Hoeger, Iowa State University
-Estherville, Cara Schiltz, Chris & Shannon Schiltz, Iowa State University
-Farley, Madelyn Reiter, Zach & Jessica Reiter, Iowa State University
-Gilmore City, Ava Newton, Jay & Suzanne Newton, Iowa State University
–Griswold, BrookLynne Peterson, Lea Anne Peterson, University of Iowa
-Hinton, Rylie Hermelbracht, Brian & Kristin Hermelbracht, Northeast Comm. College, South Dakota State University
-Lovilia, Aubrey Reed, Scott Reed, Iowa State University
–Malvern, Ailey Marburger, Philip & Jenny Marburger, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
-Martelle, Dean Lambertsen, Shaun & Valerie Lambertsen, Iowa State University
-Milo, Isabell Olsasky, Dustin Olsasky, Iowa State University
–Missouri Valley, Mason Herman, Brad & Carey Herman, Iowa State University
-Mount Vernon, Selah Loyd, Mike & Katia Loyd, Iowa State University
-Oskaloosa, Andrew Stodghill, Tom & Orla Stodghill, Iowa State University
–Panora, Arilyan Steenblock, Ryan & Arianne Steenblock, Creighton University
-Parkersburg, Maleah Wessels, Dallas & Marissa Wessels, Northwestern College
-Paullina, Caden Wittrock, Tim & Sherri Wittrock, Iowa State University
-Pulaski, Fiona Amstutz, Bryan & Audrey Amstutz, Iowa State University
–Red Oak, Kennedy DeVries, David & Tamara DeVries, Iowa State University
-State Center, Elley Walker, Emily Walker, Iowa State University
-Traer, Mason Hosek, Rebecca Dostal, Hawkeye Community College
-West Bend, Claire Gerber, Carl & Sara Gerber, Iowa Lakes Community College
-Winthrop, Addison Gericke, Daryl Gericke, University of Wisconsin Platteville
