Lallemand Animal Nutrition awards $14,000 in scholarships

The 2019 Lallemand Forward Scholarship committee is excited to announce the recipients of five scholarships awarded this school year. This is the fifth year of the scholarship program, which has provided $67,500 to students since its inception in 2015.

“This year, the committee reviewed more than 215 applications from more than 40 universities throughout North America,” Jeff Ast, Commercial Director, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, North and South America. “The 2019 Lallemand Forward scholarship class of recipients exemplify excellence in academics, community involvement and animal agriculture skills. The future of agriculture is bright with these young leaders and Lallemand is happy to have a small part in supporting their success.”

The Lallemand Forward Scholarships recognize students at the doctoral, master’s and undergraduate levels who are excelling in their agricultural programs. The program is part of Lallemand Forward, which are specifically chosen service solutions that enhance people, knowledge and production practices.

The 2019 Forward scholarship winners are:

• Ben Saylor, a doctoral student in animal science at the University of Florida
• Conor McCabe, in the master’s degree program in animal sciences at Purdue University
• Elisabeth Forker, in the doctor of veterinary medicine program at Iowa State University
• Paige Gaffney, an undergraduate student in agriculture business with minors in land valuation and rural real estate at South Dakota State University
• Jacob Sterle, an undergraduate student in animal science and international agriculture at Iowa State University

Ben Saylor

Saylor will receive a $3,000 scholarship to support his doctoral work. Originally from Chandler, Ariz., he was active in 4-H and the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association. Saylor completed his bachelor’s degree in animal science at the University of Arizona and his master’s in animal science at Kansas State University where his research focused on forage quality and the inclusion of drought-tolerant forages in dairy diets. Currently, he is at the University of Florida conducting research in applied dairy nutrition and silage management. Saylor’s Ph.D. research focuses on understanding starch utilization in dairy cattle and improving the quality and digestibility of corn silage, sorghum silage and high-moisture corn.

Conor McCabe

McCabe will receive a $3,000 scholarship to help complete his master’s degree at Purdue University. Growing up on a small pumpkin, beef and tree farm in West Linn, Ore., he participated in 4-H projects including swine, horticulture and livestock judging. After his graduation from Cornell University, he pursued an AgriCorps Fellowship to promote youth leadership in agriculture at a middle school in Ghana as an extension agent, agriculture teacher and 4-H leader. After returning to the United States, McCabe attended Purdue University where he is focusing his master’s work on dairy cattle nutrition. McCabe’s focus is on measuring the amount of body tissue dairy cattle mobilize during the transition period around calving to meet the energy and protein requirements for milk production.

 Elisabeth Forker

Forker will receive a $3,000 scholarship to help her earn a doctor of veterinary medicine degree at Iowa State University. Raised in Columbus, Neb., she spent her time riding pens on the family feedlot, packing silage and tagging along with her veterinarian parents. During her undergraduate career at the University of Nebraska, she was part of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program that allowed her the chance to develop a business plan for her future veterinary practice and ranching operation. Forker is focusing her education on food animal medicine, as she understands the need to work with producers and practitioners to ensure a product that is as efficient as possible.

Paige Gaffney

Gaffney will receive a $2,500 scholarship as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business with minors in land valuation and rural real estate at South Dakota State University. Originally from Barneveld, Wis., she found her passion for agriculture through 4-H and the National Junior Angus Association. At SDSU, Gaffney is involved in Block and Bridle, SDSU Little International, Omicron Delta Epsilon and Alpha Zeta.

Jacob Sterle

Sterle will receive a $2,500 scholarship to support his bachelor’s degrees in animal science and international agriculture at Iowa State University. Growing up in Roland, Iowa, he spent many years showing swine and serving on the National Junior Swine Association Boards of Directors. Currently at ISU, Sterle is involved in Alpha Gamma Rho Professional Agriculture fraternity, Iowa State Block and Bridle and serves as the tri-chair for the 2019 Iowa State Bacon Expo.