AgNext Graduate Student Receives Prestigious W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation
On Wednesday evening of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assocation meeting, AgNext graduate student Ashley Schilling was awarded the W.D. Farr Scholarship. This $15,000 scholarship honors the life and legacy of the Colorado rancher, statesmen, and banker’s extraordinary vision for the cattle industry. Schilling shares this vision for the future of cattle production and sustainability and has exemplified her commitment to the industry through her work at AgNext.
Ashley has been an active member of the Colorado Livestock industry since early childhood and has big plans for the future of sustainability in the cattle industry. When asked about what she sees as her next step and her role in the future of the industry Schilling responded: “I have ambitions to continue educating industry professionals, producers, and the greater public about sustainable beef production systems and how the beef industry is responding to the growing awareness of climate impacts by emphasizing environmental stewardship and social justice at all levels of production.”
In addition to Ashley’s recognition with NCBA, she has also been awarded grants, student scholarships, and fellowships during her time at AgNext:
Grants:
- Awarded $30,000 from the Solutions to Colorado Commodity Challenges Grant in 2023
- Awarded $29,485 for the Western Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Grant in 2022
Student Scholarships:
- Attended the Women in Agribusiness Summit in 2022
- Zinpro Build Your Brand in 2022
Fellowships:
- International Livestock Congress in 2023
- International Livestock Forum in 2022
Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Colorado State University in 2021. Following her undergraduate degree, Ashley began her Master of Science in Animal Sciences and plans on graduating in May 2023.
