2015 Minnesota Pork Board Scholarship Winners

The Minnesota Pork Board awards $1,000 scholarships to students who are pursuing careers with an emphasis in pork. Applicants must be in college or attending college in the fall. Meet this year’s scholarship winners:

Toni Chicos- Alden

Toni Chicos will be a freshman at Iowa State University this fall studying agricultural business management with a minor in animal science. Toni grew up on her family’s farm that raises show pigs and sells them to kids that want to show in 4-H, FFA and open class. They also own a finishing barn. She has been involved on the daily operations of the farm and hopes to one day have her own farm while working in business and learning how to ensure a quality product with a profitable business.

 

Sarah Orban- Emmons

Sarah Orban is studying animal science at Iowa State University and will be a sophomore. She enjoys working with animals and was active in FFA and is currently involved in Block and Bridle. Her love for animals has her hoping to become a veterinarian specializing in large animals with a focus on swine. She hopes to continuing being involved in 4-H and FFA throughout her life and encouraging youth to get involved in agriculture.

 

Braden Rahn- Good Thunder

Braden Rahn will be a sophomore at South Dakota State University studying agricultural science with minors in animal science, agronomy and ag business. Growing up on his family’s farrow-to-finish farm is what sparked his interest in the swine industry. He hopes to use the knowledge and skills he has gained on the farm and at college to help him in his career. He chose to study agronomy in hopes that he can help his farm become more efficient at producing feed for their pigs.

 

Madison Schafer- Goodhue

Madison Schafer will be attending South Dakota State University to study agricultural communications with a minor in animal science. In early elementary she began her involvement in the swine industry by helping farrow piglets, breeding sows and processing piglets. It is her goal to remain active in agriculture and the swine industry and continue to build trust between farmers and consumers.  She hopes to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers by continuing to be involved in events like Oink Outings.

Adam Stevermer- Easton

Adam will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall to study agricultural education. He wants to teach high school agriculture because he enjoys teaching people new things and wants to continue to share his passion for agriculture with others. Adam grew up on his family’s pig farm and was active in 4-H and FFA. He enjoys sharing his passion with others at Oink Outings and volunteering at Grandma’s Marathon and the Mankato Marathon.