The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) recognized scholarship recipients during the organization’s annual meeting. Eight high school seniors and college students from across the state were awarded a total of $7,750 in scholarship funds.
Whitmore Memorial Scholarship
Josie Bailey is a student at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, majoring in Agricultural Education. Raised on a fifth-generation dairy farm in Tomah, Bailey gained hands-on experience caring for livestock including raising and showing swine. Bailey was very involved in FFA and dairy youth organizations, and excelled in agricultural communications, discussion meets and industry advocacy. Bailey plans to pursue a career in agricultural education, focusing on leadership development and strengthening connections between agriculture and the public. She is dedicated to advancing livestock education and advocating for responsible animal care and youth involvement in agriculture.
Gunderson Memorial Scholarship
Sydney Watson resides in Edgerton. She is planning to attend either UW-Platteville or UW-Stevens Point to major in Agricultural Business. Watson has been involved in the swine industry since she was young by helping her family on their show pig operation. Her passion for the industry grew as she increased her involvement in FFA, the Wisconsin Pork Association and the Wisconsin Show Pig Association. Watson hopes to use her degree to support producers, improve farm efficiencies and help the agriculture industry adapt to changing markets and consumer expectations.
Mallory Cepress hails from Arpin, and is currently attending Iowa State University. She is majoring in Animal Science with planned minors in Animal Nutrition and International Agriculture. Mallory’s experience within the swine industry has given her the opportunity to grow as a leader, learn from industry professionals and develop a true passion for the pork industry. She enjoys giving back to the swine industry, which has given her countless opportunities. Upon completion of her degree, Cepress aims to build a career in swine nutrition. She also plans to own and operate a show pig herd.
Oscar Stowell is from Waupun, where he lives on his family’s livestock farm. He is active in 4-H and FFA and raises a small herd of sows that he breeds for show pigs. He serves as the swine representative on the Dodge County Meat Animal Sale Board and the DATCP Ag Youth Council. Oscar plans to attend the University of River Falls majoring in Agriculture Education and Animal Science.
WPA Fredrich Memorial Scholarship
Ashley Schaal is from Burlington. She plans to attend either Iowa State University or Purdue University to major in Agricultural Business. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm and is actively involved in 4-H, FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and the Wisconsin Junior Poultry Association. Ashley currently serves on the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council and as the Racine County Agricultural Ambassador. She is grateful for the scholarship’s support as she continues pursuing her educational and career goals in agriculture.
Callie Lohse is a native of Walworth, and plans to attend the UW-Platteville, to major in Agribusiness and Animal Science. She is actively involved in FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society, the local equine club, and her church. Through her experiences exhibiting swine and other livestock, Callie developed a strong passion for the pork industry and agriculture. She values the opportunities the industry has provided and its emphasis on hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Callie plans to build a career that supports and strengthens agriculture on a deeper level. She plans to do so by helping producers and contributing to the long-term success of the agricultural industry.
Rebecca Konkel is from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and plans to major in plant science at UW-Madison. She is involved in FFA, 4-H, sports, and raises pigs, chickens, and dairy cattle. Through her various experiences, Rebecca has developed a passion for plant research. She hopes to pursue a career in agriculture where she can develop solutions to real-world problems and advance the agriculture industry for the better.
Southwest Wisconsin Pork Producers
Sophia Daugherty grew up on a small beef farm in Cuba City. She is majoring in agriculture education at UW-Platteville and works at the university Swine Center and See-Mor Grain. Breeding her own show pigs and selecting genetics has given her a robust appreciation for the pork industry. Sophia plans to pursue a career in public education and agriculture advocacy. Her goal is to continue teaching others the importance of our food system and animal agriculture’s role in feeding America.
WPA congratulates these young people for their hard work and accomplishments and looks forward to
seeing them develop into the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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