DFA Cares Scholarship Program Led by Karen Hiltgen Opens For 2026

Scholarship Program Supports Future Food and Agriculture Leaders

• Bonnie Johnson
• December 01, 2025
• Media Article

The DFA Cares Foundation opens applications for its 2026 scholarships, supporting students interested in food and agriculture careers. The growing program continues to award financial aid to outstanding future industry leaders.

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The DFA Cares Foundation announces that its Student Scholarship Program is now open for 2026. Under the leadership of Karen Hiltgen, the program continues to support students who want to build strong careers in food, agriculture, and related fields. The scholarship program focuses on helping students achieve their educational goals while strengthening the future workforce of the agriculture and dairy industries.
 

The program welcomes applications from high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who are interested in food and agriculture careers. Students who plan to study fields connected to farming, food production, dairy science, sustainability, nutrition, or agricultural business may qualify for support. The program’s mission is to invest in today’s students so they can help shape the future of farming and food systems.
 

Since the scholarship program first began, DFA Cares has expanded each year. It now honors a growing number of outstanding students who show commitment to agriculture and leadership in their communities. The program continues to highlight students who want to make a positive difference in the agriculture industry.
 

In 2025, the DFA Cares Foundation awarded more than $86,000 in scholarships to 67 students across the country. This support helped students manage education costs while building the knowledge and skills needed to support the future of food and farming. The continued growth of the program shows DFA’s ongoing dedication to education, innovation, and industry advancement.
 

For 2026, DFA encourages students with a passion for agriculture to apply. The organization believes that by investing in students today, it helps build a stronger and more sustainable future for the food and farming industries. The scholarship application offers an important opportunity for students to pursue higher education and prepare for meaningful careers.
 

The DFA Cares Foundation continues to support future leaders and remains committed to strengthening the agriculture industry through education and financial assistance.
 

Photo by: www.dfamilk.com