Bonnie Johnson
April 01, 2025
Media ArticleTwo South Dakota State University doctoral students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences have earned prestigious scholarships from Certified Angus Beef for their outstanding work and research in the beef industry.
Becca (Grimes) Francis and Sydni (Borders) Lammers were recognized among eight national recipients.
Becca Francis, originally from Gilmer, Texas, received a $5,000 scholarship. Her research has primarily focused on improving feed additives to enhance digestive health and production efficiency in feedlot calves.
Francis has been exploring management practices for feedlot dairy-beef crossbred calves, a significant sector in the beef industry.
Sydni Lammers, hailing from Kilgore, Texas, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Her initial research investigated how different grazing densities affect growth and carcass quality in stocker calves.
Lammers is studying the effects of nutrient restrictions during midgestation on the future meat quality of the offspring, with a particular focus on intramuscular fat development and carcass performance.
The scholarships are part of the Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship Fund, which honors students who demonstrate a strong commitment to the beef industry.
Both Francis and Lammers are Ph.D. students, mentored by professors who are leaders in animal science. They have chosen SDSU for its exceptional faculty and research opportunities in agriculture.
John Jaeger, head of the Animal Science Department, commended the students for exemplifying the high standards of their programs.
Francis aims to continue her career in the beef industry as a feedlot consulting nutritionist or in beef pharmaceuticals, while Lammers plans to pursue an academic career in teaching and research.
Photo by: sdstate.edu
