Every year, there is an 11% shortage of agriculture graduates to fill professional positions in the field of agriculture. The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) supports students pursuing agriculture careers through a college scholarship program. This year, four students were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship at the Maryland Commodity Classic on July 25th. Recipients are Alexandra Guy of Hebron, Ethan Miller of Kennedyville, Cody Martin Morris of Parsonburg, and Jacob Schmidt of Sudlersville.
“We have an outstanding group of qualified individuals receiving scholarships this year,” states Bobby Guy, MGPUB President. “We need trained professionals to meet the demand for careers addressing issues such as world hunger and food safety, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship. Over $180,000 has now been awarded through our Scholarship Program.”
A recent graduate of James M. Bennet High School, Alexandra Guy was raised on her family’s farm in Hebron, MD, and has always wanted to give back to the farming community. To do so, she will be attending the University of Kentucky of the fall to study agriculture and medical biotechnology, which will allow her to not only improve the yield of crops but also examine the health of the crops we are growing. Daughter of Bobby Guy, Alexandra is also serving as the current Wicomico County Farm Ambassador and was active in Field Hockey, Lacrosse, and the National Honors Society in High School.
Studying plant science at the University of Delaware, Ethan Miller’s life has revolved around his family’s 4,000 acre grain farming operation. After receiving his degree, Ethan plans to return to the family farm where he can bring back his knowledge of different farming methods and serve as their very own agronomist. Son of Kevin and Amy Miller, Ethan has been very active in his first year of school, participating in Alpha Gamma Rho, Ag Day, Dairy Judging, and more.
Son of Thomas and Lisa Morris, Cody Martin Morris has worked on his family’s grain and poultry farm since the age of 10, where he learned the benefits of reaping a plentiful harvest. In addition to the crops grown by his family, he also has his own pumpkin patch which he manages from planting to harvest. By studying agronomy and agricultural business management at the University of Maryland College Park, he hopes to one day efficiently run his family farm and maximize profits so that it can be passed along to the next generation. In his lifetime, Cody has seen many changes in the production of chickens and small grain crops and recognizes the importance of continuing family farms in the current day and age.
Attending West Virginia University to obtain a degree in agribusiness management with a minor in soil science, Jacob Schmidt believes that he must first educate himself as much as possible in order to be successful in his career. The son of Alan and Brenda Schmidt, Jacob’s experience in agriculture started at a young age and is wide and diverse. After graduating, he plans to obtain his CCA certification and return to his family’s grain and vegetable farm, where he would like to venture into new and emerging niche markets such as biofuels that can help contribute to the advancement of the industry.
“Agriculture is an exciting career field with many opportunities,” concludes Guy. “We are excited to see these young people wanting to make a contribution to our industry. This scholarship program is a long-term investment with big dividends for the future of farming.”
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