California Ag Network

Tag: agricultural education

  • Applications Available for Class X of Jersey Youth Academy

    The tenth Jersey Youth Academy will be held July 11-16. The application period for the class is open until Dec. 1. 

    Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.

    Program Objectives

    The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:

    • First, to learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business;
    • Second, to meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow; and
    • Third, to learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.

    The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement of the applicants. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.

    Eligibility

    Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college, or university. Applicants under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management will also be considered.

    Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

    A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only once. 

    — Story provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association 

  • DHIA Offering $1,000 Scholarships

    The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship program. These scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, go to high school seniors and college undergraduate students. Applicants must be full-time, incoming or continuing students at a technical college or a two-year or four-year college/university. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, family member of a DHI employee, or employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. Members of National DHIA include AgSource Dairy, Arizona DHIA, Capstone Dairy Data Services, Central Counties DHIA, CentralStar Cooperative Inc.-DHI Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., DHI Cooperative Inc., Eastern Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative, Idaho DHIA, Indiana State Dairy Association, Lancaster DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA and United Federation of DHIAs.

    The scholarship selection committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities, work experience, knowledge of and experience with DHIA, and responses to questions on the application. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026. Recipients will be announced at the 2027 National DHIA Annual Meeting and Leadership Session.

    To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, go to: www.dhia.org/scholarships and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact JoDee Sattler, National DHIA scholarship coordinator, at 414-587-5839 or jdsattler@dhia.org.

    National DHIA will award approximately ten $1,000 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

    National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems. — Story contributed by the Dairy Herd Information Association

  • National FFA Partners with World Dairy Expo

    The National FFA Organization has endorsed and will promote World Dairy Expo’s 2026 FFA Dairy Judging Contest to its national membership. This collaboration aims to expand opportunities for leadership, hands-on learning and connections within agricultural education.

    The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1 million student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    In 2025, more than 100 schools from across the United States participated in the FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, underscoring the enthusiasm and commitment of FFA members nationwide.

    “Historically, this contest has drawn strong participation from Midwest chapters, along with dedicated teams traveling from as far as California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas,” said Lexa Miller, Cattle Show and Contests Coordinator for World Dairy Expo. “This partnership will encourage even more chapters to make the trip to Madison and further strengthen an already outstanding competition and educational experience.”

    The 2026 FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will take place on Tuesday, September 29, in Madison. FFA chapters across the country are encouraged to learn more by visiting the “Contests” section atworlddairyexpo.com. Registration opens July 13, 2026 and closes September 11, 2026.

    “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders—individuals who will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world,” said Christine White, Chief Program Officer for the National FFA Organization. “World Dairy Expo offers an unmatched opportunity for young leaders to connect with the dairy industry at its highest level and be part of an event that defines excellence in dairy cattle evaluation. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we seek for our FFA members.”

    Additional FFA-endorsed activities can be found through the National FFA Organization website.

    Returning to Madison, Wisc. Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, the Wold Dairy Expo features the largest dairy-focused trade show, youth contests, seminars and networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of dairy. Learn more at www.worlddairyexpo.com. — Story contributed by the World Dairy Expo

  • Scholarship Luncheon Honors 28 FFA High School Seniors

    A record 28 senior high school students each received an award of $1,000 – $3,500 out of a total $59,000 — the most the Chamber has ever distributed in one year. Over the years, they have given out a cumulative $547,000.

    “This represents not just financial support, but a vote of confidence from your community,” remarked past recipient Gianna Gonzalez to the awardees at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Committee’s 26th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 17.

    The recipients stepped to the microphone, smiled and shared the college they plan to attend and their career goal. The career areas included equine dentistry, ag law, ag education, farming, cooperative extension, ag engineering, viticulture and enology, rangeland resource management, ag business, veterinary service, ag communication and policy, pest control advising and soil science.

    The Hughson Future Farmers of America (FFA) decorated the tables at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Hall with custom wood planter boxes filled with miniature pansies. Silver Hershey kisses and snack packs of Blue Diamond almonds dotted the tables as well. Farm Truck Catering served a grilled chicken lunch.

    The event was possible due to support by Garton Tractor and Lander Veterinary Clinic, along with Platinum Sponsors Manulife Investment Management and Stanislaus Food Products and Gold Sponsors InsureCAL and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    A total of 30 silver and bronze sponsors and five in-kind donors filled out the sponsor list, and many volunteers — including the students — pitched in to set up and clean up.    — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

  • Laton, CA’s Medeiros Among Students Awarded National DHIA Undergrad Scholarships

    The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship Committee selected 12 high school seniors and college students to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Committee members ranked applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.

    This year’s National DHIA scholarship recipients are Ashley Brandel, Lake Mills, Wis. (parents: Matt and Tracy Brandel); Natalie Clemenson, Zumbrota, Minn. (parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson); Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pa. (parents: Joe and Kristin Diehl); Alaina Dinderman, Orangeville, Ill. (parents: Brian and Kristi Dinderman); Alaina Fisher, Waconia, Minn. (parents: Amanda and Brian Fisher); Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wis. (parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh); Nicole Hauschildt, Zumbro Falls, Minn. (parents: Stephanie and Chad Domke); Chloe Lawrason, Beaverton, Mich. (parents: Jared and Lisa Lawrason); Lily Marshman, Oxford, N.Y. (parents: John and Sheila Marshman); Keegan Medeiros, Laton, Calif. (parents: Melvin and Christina Medeiros); Ella Raatz, Colby, Wis. (parents: Al and Teri Raatz); and Lindsey Rotz, Pelican, Rapids, Minn. (parents: Paul and Carolin Rotz).

    Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To donate to the National DHIA Scholarship Fund, contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org.

    On July 1, 2026, the 2027 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA website at: www.dhia.org/scholarship.asp. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026.

    National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems.

  • California FFA Foundation Supporters Recognized at 2025 National Convention

    California FFA is proud to celebrate a distinguished group of leaders, educators, and supporters recognized at the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This year, 22 California FFA Honorary American FFA Degree recipients were awarded, along with one recipient of the VIP citation.

    The Honorary American FFA Degree is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service at the national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA. Recipients include educators, industry partners, community leaders, and advocates who go above and beyond to support FFA members and agricultural education programs. Individuals honored with the VIP citation have dedicated 20 years of service to FFA and agricultural education on a national level.

    Of the 22 individuals recognized nationally, four were nominated by the California FFA Foundation for their continued support of its mission to secure resources and partnerships that create opportunities for students across the state. This year’s California FFA Foundation honorees include Jenny Nicolau and Rebecca Bailey of the Almond Board of California; Emily Rooney, California FFA Foundation Board Member and Ag Council of California President; and Toni Lindeleaf, past California FFA Foundation Board Member. Additionally, Charles Parker, who recently retired from his role as State Supervisor for Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor, received National FFA’s VIP Citation.

    “California FFA is strengthened by leaders who believe in students and serve as advocates for agricultural education across our state,” said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. “These Honorary American FFA Degree and VIP Citation recipients have helped create opportunity, mentorship, and hands-on learning for FFA members across our state, and we are pleased to see their efforts recognized at the national level.”

    In addition to this year’s Foundation honorees, California FFA is proud to acknowledge the remaining Honorary American FFA Degree recipients: Mike Albiani, Joe Buffington, Sara Carney, Amber Charter, Peggy Flynn, Amanda Galan, JessaLee Goehring, Wesley Hunt, Amy Jacobsen, Johan Jacobsen, Julie Luxon, Celeste Morino, Jenny Lynn Oilar-Svejda, Gregory Osmundson, Mayra Osmundson, Jon Sellenrick, Lisa Wright and Mark Wright.

    About California Association, FFA, and the California FFA Foundation: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students, developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The California FFA Foundation supports these efforts by securing resources and partnerships that make these opportunities possible for students statewide. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

  • California FFA Launches John Justin “Standard of the West” Scholarship Award with Justin Boots

    California FFA is excited to announce the launch of the John Justin “Standard of the West” Award, a new scholarship opportunity made possible through a partnership with Justin Boots.

    The “Standard of the West” Award is designed to celebrate FFA seniors who exemplify the spirit of agriculture by demonstrating integrity, honesty, perseverance, helpfulness, a strong work ethic, academic achievement, and consistent school attendance.

    Each year, one student from each of California FFA’s six regions will be selected as a state finalist. Finalists will receive a product-gift certificate, a plaque, and a $500 scholarship. Among these finalists, one state winner will be chosen and recognized on stage during the annual California FFA State Leadership Conference. The state winner will be awarded a product-gift certificate, a plaque, and a $2,500 scholarship. In addition, the advisor(s) of the state winner will be presented with a certificate for a pair of full-quill ostrich boots, courtesy of Justin Boots.

    Applications opened October 1 and are available to any California FFA senior who meets the organization’s scholarship requirements. Interested members are encouraged to apply through the California FFA scholarship portal.

    “We are proud to launch the John Justin ‘Standard of the West’ Scholarship Award in partnership with Justin Boots,” said Katie Otto, executive director of development at the California FFA Foundation. “This award honors FFA members who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service. Justin Boots supports FFA’s mission of cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders, and together we’re recognizing outstanding members who uphold these values.”

    For more information and to access the application, visit apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/CAFFA2026.

    About California Association, FFA, and the California FFA Foundation: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students, developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The California FFA Foundation supports these efforts by securing resources and partnerships that make these opportunities possible for students statewide. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

    About Justin: Justin is a brand of Western footwear, apparel, and accessories that was founded in 1879 by H.J. Justin. The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and produces a variety of boots for both men and women, including cowboy boots, work boots, and casual shoes. Justin also offers a wide range of men’s, women’s and kids apparel and accessories, including cowboy hats, jeans, belts, handbags, and more. Justin is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and use of premium materials, and has a reputation for being a trusted brand in the western market. For more information, visit justinboots.com.

    Facebook: @JustinBoots | Twitter: @JustinBoots | Instagram: @JustinBoots_ | TikTok: @justin_boots

  • California Table Grape Growers Offer Scholarship Opportunities

    California table grape growers are once again providing scholarship opportunities to graduating high school seniors from the table grape growing regions of California. Three categories of scholarships are available again in 2026.

    Two scholarships are available to field workers and their families. The Field Worker Bridge Scholarship is a $14,500 scholarship for students who will attend two years at a community college and transfer to a four-year university in California. The Field Worker Scholarship is a $25,000 scholarship for students who will attend a four-year university in California. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors, or their parent/legal guardian, must have been employed as a field worker in a California table grape vineyard during the 2025 harvest or plan to be employed during the 2026 season to be eligible for the Field Worker Scholarships.

    The third scholarship is a $25,000 Agricultural Scholarship available for students interested in building a career in the California table grape industry and investing their undergraduate years of study in academic areas related to the industry. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors must pursue a four-year undergraduate degree from a California university in a field of study pertinent to table grapes and be residents of the Coachella or San Joaquin valleys.

    Three scholarships from each category are available. Applicants for all scholarships must plan to attend a California college or university. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is Friday, February 6, 2026.

    Since 1985, California table grape growers aided over 200 students in attending college. To hear from recent scholarship recipients, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/scholarship-recipients/.

    For more information on the scholarship program, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/ or contact: Scholarships@grapesfromcalifornia.com.

  • World Ag Expo® Names Ron Clark as New Chairman

    World Ag Expo®, the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition, is gearing up to make its return in February, naming Ron Clark as the 2026 Show Chairman.

    “It’s an honor to be selected by my peers in the community, and to follow a long line of respected leaders,” said Clark. “I look forward to representing the greatest ag show in the world and welcoming visitors to discover the latest in agriculture.”

    A Tulare native, Clark has been involved in agriculture from a young age, working on his family farm since third grade. Over the years, he has managed his own farming operation while providing custom farming and farm management services. Committed to agricultural education and innovation, he has run test plots for various organizations, including the UC Cooperative Extension. Clark has served as Vice Chairman of Mid Valley Co-op and as a board member of numerous Kaweah Water Associations and the Tulare Joint Union High School District Ag Advisory Committee. A generational volunteer, he carries on his family’s long-standing tradition of supporting World Ag Expo.

    The theme for the 2026 show, “Grounds for Innovation,” highlights both the 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, and its role as a showcase for the latest in agricultural technology. From the Top-10 New Products Competition to a wide array of exhibitors featuring cutting-edge solutions, innovation is always at the forefront of World Ag Expo.

    “Our team is hard at work preparing for next year’s show,” said Jerry Sinift, International Agri-Center® CEO. “We are happy to continue providing a place for the agriculture community to connect, learn, and grow.”

    The annual show is produced by the International Agri-Center®, a non-profit focused on agriculture education, innovation, and business development.

    World Ag Expo® is the largest annual outdoor ag tradeshow of its kind. In 2025, the show saw over 100,000 attendees from 49 states and 80 countries. With more than 1,200 exhibitors and 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, World Ag Expo® provides a platform for networking, education, and business in one of the most productive ag counties in the United States. Limited exhibit space is still available and can be requested at https://bit.ly/exhibitwae26.

    Tickets are on sale online now at https://bit.ly/ticketswae26, and attendees can plan their visit at www.worldagexpo.com. With a diverse lineup of agriculture companies, demonstrations, and seminars, there is something for every ag professional. World Ag Expo® 2026 will run Tuesday, February 10 through Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center® in Tulare, CA.

    For more information, visit www.worldagexpo.org.

    The International Agri-Center® is home to World Ag Expo®, February 10-12, 2026 in Tulare, California. An estimated annual average of 102,000 individuals from 65 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year. The largest annual agricultural show of its kind, World Ag Expo® hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show space. Learn more at www.worldagexpo.com.

  • Jill Sperling Named State Supervisor of Ag Education and California State FFA Advisor

    The California Association, FFA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Sperling as the new State Supervisor of Agricultural Education and California State FFA Advisor. Her selection was made by the California Department of Education, taking effect on May 1, 2025, following the retirement of Charles Parker. She becomes the first woman to serve in this role in the organization’s nearly 100-year history.

    A respected agricultural educator and mentor, Sperling brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the position, having earned multiple local and state awards for her excellence in teaching and service. Prior to this position, she served as the Central Region FFA Advisor for 10 years, supporting 86 agricultural education programs spanning from Sacramento to Merced counties. Before joining the state leadership team, Sperling spent 14 years as an agriscience educator and FFA advisor at Kingsburg High School.

    “I am immensely proud to be the first female State Supervisor of Agriculture Education and State FFA Advisor in California,” Sperling shared. “I have deep roots in agriculture education and grew up seeing the meaningful impacts that agriculture teachers make on the lives of their students through the three-circle model of agriculture education. I have been honored to serve the teachers and FFA members of the Central Region for the past ten years and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to provide leadership to the 108,000+ FFA members and over 1,100 agriculture teachers throughout our great state in the years to come.”

    As State FFA Advisor, Sperling will help lead the strategic vision of the California Association, FFA, supporting more than 108,000 members across 366 chapters. She will work in close partnership with California’s regional advisors to ensure local programs meet the diverse needs of students, while also collaborating with the California FFA Foundation, California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, and the California Department of Education to support the organization’s growing and evolving programs.

    Stepping into this distinguished role marks both a personal and professional achievement for Sperling. A native of Sacramento County and a proud American FFA Degree recipient, she follows in the footsteps of her father, Bob Heuvel, who served in this same position for nearly 30 years. Her husband, Dustin, is also a former FFA member, and their children, Auston and Avery, are former and current members of their local FFA program.

    About California Association, FFA: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.