The Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc. (WCO) recently awarded two scholarships to students pursuing further education. These students were selected based on leadership, civic engagement, academics and volunteer activities related to agriculture. Students also submitted essays detailing their educational and vocational plans for the future. Scholarship winners are required to have ties to the WCO – either as a member, relative or employee of a member, or as a relative of a member client. Students received a $1,000 or $1,500 scholarship.
“WCO understands that the foundation for the continued success of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy depends on a well-educated workforce,” said Kevin Shinners, former chairman of the WCO Scholarship and Awards Committee and professor emeritus of biological systems engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “We also recognize that the high-cost of additional education can impact this need.”
Hannah Dahl of Columbus, Wis. was selected to receive the $1,500 Robert Hoerth Memorial Scholarship to honor WCO Past President Robert Hoerth who passed away unexpectedly in early 2020. This award is given to the most deserving scholarship applicant based on their alignment to the overall criteria. Hannah is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame majoring in economics with plans to attend law school to pursue a career in ag law. Hannah’s family are shareholders in RG Miller and Sons dairy farm in Bristol, Wis. The farm is a customer of WCO member Daryll Manthe owner of D & J Manthe Forage Service LLC.
Reagan Scidmore of Chadwick, Ill. received a $1,000 scholarship. She is a freshman at Highland Community College majoring in animal sciences, with plans to transfer to UW-Platteville. Reagan was raised on her family’s 300-cow dairy and beef farm, Scidmore Dairy LLC, where she assists with various farm chores. The farm is a customer of WCO member Charlie Schultz owner of Schultz Bros. Forage Service in Dakota, Ill.
Applications for the 2022 WCO scholarship are being accepted through May 1. Interested students should visit https://wiscustomoperators.org/about/scholarships.php for more information including eligibility, criteria and application.
In 2022, three (3) awards will be given: Two (2) $1,000 scholarships and the $1,500 Robert Hoerth Memorial Scholarship.
To be eligible, applicants may have direct family ties to a current WCO member or to an employee of a WCO member. Applicants may also be a member themselves. In addition, A WCO member may nominate a scholarship applicant who does not meet the above criteria. For example, if a WCO member has a customer who has an exemplary son, daughter, or employee, they are eligible to apply.
