The Illinois Soybean Association has chosen eight college students to receive crop science scholarships for the 2015-16 school year.  All will follow an agricultural course of study with concentrations in such areas as plant breeding, biotechnology, plant pathology, weed or crop management, with an emphasis on soybeans.

Six of the recipients are enrolled at the University of Illinois, with one at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and one at Illinois State University. 

Illinois Soybean Association awards eight crop science scholarships

"Illinois soybean farmers have funded the scholarship through the checkoff for several years now, and are proud of the young scientists the scholarship has helped educate," says Don Guinnip, soybean farmer from Marshall and ISA Production Committee chairman.  "The goal is to produce specialists that can assist Illinois farmers with improving soybean production."

Students offered 2014-15 scholarships include:

•Ethan Balding, Albion, Ill.  Balding will attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and major in agronomy.  He previously studied and will graduate from Wabash Valley Community College this spring.  In studying agronomy, Balding hopes to be part of a community that will further agriculture and develop new technologies and sciences that feed and clothe the world.  He is the son of Jason and Brenda Balding.

•Zachary Lee Benson, Trivoli, Ill.  Benson is working toward his degree in crop sciences at the University of Illinois.  He hopes by utilizing his education and experiences, he can improve the industry through corn and soybean research and by helping to develop sustainable and higher yielding crops.  His parents are Kurt and Janet Benson. 

•August Schetter, Brighton, Ill.  Schetter attends the University of Illinois, and is majoring in crop sciences with a plant breeding concentration.  He says his goal as a crop scientist is to push yields and use land to product a sustainable food source for the entire world.  He is the son of Dan and Mary Jo Schetter. 

•Seth Tolley, Avon, Ill.  Tolley transferred from Carl Sandburg College to the University of Illinois to major in crop sciences.  He says greater knowledge of genetics can help reduce the risk of pest destruction, increase yield and make crops more adaptive to varying environments and soil conditions.  He is the son of David and Kathy Tolley.

•Matthew Turner, Mahomet, Ill.  Turner attended Lake Land College before transferring to Illinois State University to complete his degree in agronomy management and ag business.  He believes by giving guidance and advice as an agronomist to the people growing crops that together everyone can make farm ground last and be more productive than ever.  Turner's parents are Mike and Teresa Turner.

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•Gavin Urish, Kilbourne, Ill.  Urish was part of Parkland Pathways to Illinois and is studying crops agribusiness and food and farm management at the University of Illinois.  He says he is motivated by a collective vision for the future of Illinois agriculture that creates a balance between businesses, production, research and environmental sectors while still generating employment and profits.  He is the son of Tim and Deborah Urish.

•Rachel Vaessen, Sublette, Ill.  Vaessen will major in crop sciences at the University of Illinois, after having attended Joliet Junior College.  She is the daughter of Michael and Brenda Vaessen.  As an agronomist she plans to research new ways to enhance crop production, use technology and develop innovative, sustainable management practices.

•Joshua Viggers, Metamora, Ill.  Viggers enters the University of Illinois from Illinois Central College, and will major in plant biotechnology and molecular biology.  He would like to help Illinois farmers grow soybeans, and play a role in finding solutions to problems such as sudden death syndrome.  He is the son of Tim and Kristi Viggers.

The IAA Foundation administers the scholarship program on behalf of ISA.  Awardees are encouraged to find on-campus employment in soybean research and follow a career path that will lead to graduate school and research.  Scholarships were awarded on the basis of exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. 

Source: Illinois Soybean Association