Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships Awarded

State Supports Young Livestock Exhibitors Through Scholarships and Education Funding Programs

• Bonnie Johnson
• February 26, 2026
• Media Article

Michigan awards scholarships to 39 youth livestock exhibitors, supporting education and future agricultural careers through funding from livestock events, while encouraging leadership, growth, and continued participation in the state’s livestock industry.

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The State of Michigan awards the 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF) scholarships to 39 students who demonstrate excellence while exhibiting at the Michigan State Fair, Michigan Livestock Expo, and Michigan Dairy Expo. The program supports youth involved in livestock activities and encourages continued education and leadership in agriculture.
 

Funding for the scholarships comes from proceeds of the Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-Abration held each July. Since 2000, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded more than $916,055 in scholarships and educational awards. In 2025 alone, $62,000 is awarded to students, while an additional $14,000 is placed into Michigan Education Savings Plans for youth exhibitors who compete in judging and showmanship events.
 

“Scholarship funding encourages continued growth and opportunities for younger generations,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a statement. “MDARD's mission is to improve quality of life for Michiganders and supporting the future of our industry is another tangible way we work toward that goal.”
 

The scholarship program recognizes students from across the state. Recipients of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund include:
 

• Mid-Michigan: Sophia Barnum ($4,500), Elizabeth Hartmann ($4,000), Emma Darrow ($2,000), Ross Kelsey ($2,000), Ava Palmatier ($2,000), Sterling Tomac ($2,000), Olivia Birchmeier ($1,500), Natalie Bounds ($1,500), Ryder Greenman ($1,500), Lillian Merrill ($1,500), Dalton Birchmeier ($500), Carragh Cashen ($500), Katlyn Cunningham ($500 state-wide).
   
• Northern Michigan: Grace Shupe ($2,000), Chloe Lawrason ($250 statewide).
   
• Southeast Michigan: Joscelyn Layman ($2,000), Jack Thielen ($1,500), Sydney Fowler ($1,250), Clara Heath ($1,000), Zoe Stanger ($1,000 state-wide).
   
• Southwest Michigan: Aden Hathaway ($3,500), Drew George ($3,000), Alexa Grahm ($2,000), Ava Hathaway ($2,000), Talan Hiemstra ($2,000), Kaden Petroshus ($2,000), Carlie Doehring ($1,250), Emma Geukes ($500), Brianna Stockwell ($500).
   
• Thumb Region: Madyson Garza ($1,500), Emma Noll ($1,500).
   
• West Michigan: Jadyn Herzog ($3,000), London Eldridge ($2,000), Lilly Seid ($1,250), Colby Tucker ($1,000), Brooklyn Decker ($500), Erin Judge ($500), Mckenna Modreske ($500), Celina Eldridge ($500 state-wide).
   

Overall, the MYLSF program continues to support youth development, education, and future careers in agriculture by rewarding dedication, leadership, and excellence in livestock programs across Michigan.