Applications are now being accepted for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF), the scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal agriculture.
The organization awards two $15,000 grants to graduate students who demonstrate superior achievement in academics and leadership and are also committed to advancing the beef industry. Previous scholarship recipients recognize that the program not only benefits their work but also the entire industry.
“One day I’d like to share my knowledge, experiences and research findings related to meat science; receiving this scholarship gets me closer to that aspiration,” said 2023 recipient and West Texas A&M University doctoral candidate Megan Eckhardt.
Graduate students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by Sept. 20, 2024. CattleCon 2025 will recognize the 2024 scholarship recipients from Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
The scholarship honors W.D. Farr, a third-generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman, and banker, celebrated for his extraordinary vision and successful career. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods. These have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation. Farr was the first president of the NCF. He also served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which would later become the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.
