Sydney Hefty has been doing science experiments related to agriculture since the seventh grade. That kind of dedication paid off first in 2020 when she was named winner of the Agriscience division in the FFA Stars over Indiana program at the 2020 Indiana FFA state convention. It paid off again more recently when she received a $5,000 scholarship presented by BASF and the American Soybean Association.

Her research in high school was pointed toward developing her own natural herbicide. Her career goals include perhaps pursuing a law degree and working in corporate ag law and policy.

BASF partners with four major national commodity groups to present scholarships to outstanding students each year. Hefty was the only Indiana student receiving a scholarship in the 2021 program. Kevin Scott, president of the American Soybean Association, appreciates being able to cooperate with BASF to present Hefty with the award and says he looks forward to following her career in the future.

BASF and the National Corn Growers Association presented five $1,000 scholarships. Winners were Amelia Hayden, Sharon, Wis.; Colton Johnson, Afton, Okla.; Courtney Schrader, Earleville, Md.; Sophia Svanda, Nehawka, Neb.; and Ben Vos, Pella, Iowa.

The National Sorghum Foundation and BASF awarded $5,000 to Zoe Schultz from Grainfield, Kan. She studies ag communications at Kansas State University.

The National Wheat Foundation and BASF awarded two $2,500 scholarships. The winners were Max Harman, Inman, Kan.; and Maguire Isaak, Coulee City, Wash.