2026 Dairy MAX Scholarship Recipients Announced

Dairy farmers are committed to their communities and giving back to the next generation. With 21 applicants this year, Dairy MAX has awarded $7,500 in scholarships to three students across the region who have ties to the dairy industry and are planning to continue their education in the agriculture industry. Since 2010, Dairy MAX has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to over 30 deserving students.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are Logan Liere of Franklin, Texas, Abby van Adrichem of Bryan, Texas, and Breck Averhoff of Garden City, Kansas. Each recipient was awarded $2,500 in scholarships to go toward their college education. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of scholastic achievement, leadership and involvement in agriculture.

“At Dairy MAX, we believe that supporting the next generation of dairy professionals is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” said Julie Stefko, director of farmer and industry relations. “This scholarship program gives us the opportunity to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to agriculture, leadership and their communities. We are proud to stand behind these three students as they advance their education and their careers in dairy.”

Abby van Adrichem grew up on her family’s dairy farm, Friendship Dairies. She is currently completing her degree at Texas A&M University in animal science and agricultural economics with a 4.0 GPA. Van Adrichem has served as president of the Texas A&M Dairy Science Club, undergraduate coach for the Texas A&M Dairy Challenge Team, and an undergraduate teaching assistant for principles of animal nutrition. Her industry experience includes internships with the Houston and San Antonio livestock shows and rodeos, participation in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium, and ongoing work as a research assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife. Following the completion of her undergraduate and graduate education, van Adrichem plans to pursue a career in dairy cattle nutrition and consulting.

Breck Averhoff is a first-year agribusiness student at Kansas State University who grew up working at Royal Farms Dairy in Garden City, Kansas, where he developed extensive hands-on experience in herd management, feed rations and large-scale dairy operations. Averhoff has continued building his skills at the Kansas State University Dairy Unit, assisting with research projects and daily herd care. A decorated FFA and 4-H alumnus, Averhoff earned the American FFA Degree, served as Kansas Southwest District FFA president, and earned numerous state and national recognitions in dairy evaluation and public speaking. This summer, Averhoff plans to participate in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium as he works toward his long-term goal of becoming a third-generation dairy farmer.

Logan Liere was raised on Liere Dairy in Franklin, Texas, where he has worked alongside his family in daily milking, calf care, equipment operation and facility management. Liere is a graduating senior from Franklin High School and an FFA standout, having served as both a Brazos Valley District FFA officer and chapter president, and competed in dairy judging at the state level across all

four years of high school. He has also been a multi-year letterman in football and powerlifting and a dedicated community volunteer. Liere will attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study animal science, with plans to return to the family dairy and expand its operation to include on-site pasteurization and direct-to-consumer milk sales.

A total of 21 applications underwent an in-depth judging process. Eligible applicants must reside in the Dairy MAX region and be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student enrolled in a technical school, junior college or four-year college program. Applicants must also be a child of a dairy farmer or dairy farm employee at a checkoff-funding dairy.

“Every year, the Dairy MAX scholarship applicants remind us of the incredible depth of talent within this industry,” said Stefko. “Abby, Breck and Logan have each demonstrated the kind of hard work, leadership and genuine passion for dairy that will carry this industry forward for generations to come.”

Investing in the industry’s future allows Dairy MAX to support the dairy farm families who sustainably produce dairy foods that nourish communities. The 2027 Dairy MAX Scholarship application will open in January 2027. To see a full list of eligibility requirements and information about applying, visit DairyMAX.org/Dairy/Scholarships.