Central Plains Dairy Foundation offers 6 scholarships – valued at $26,000

The Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF) opened its scholarship program, which includes six scholarship opportunities – the Lon and Kathy Tonneson Scholarship, CPDF Scholarships (two for two-year college students and two for four-year college students) and the Emery H. Bartle Memorial Scholarship. Applications are due Jan. 4, 2027, for all CPDF scholarships.

The $1,000 Lon and Kathy Tonneson Scholarship honors Lon and Kathy Tonneson for their long-standing dedication to agriculture and the dairy industry. They managed the Central Plains Dairy Association (CPDA) and Central Plains Dairy Expo for 18 years. Two- and four-year students studying agriculture, with a focus on agricultural communication and/or leadership, are eligible for this scholarship.

Intended for students pursuing a career in the dairy industry, the CPDF Scholarships are each valued at $5,000 for four-year students and $2,500 each for two-year students. Eligible majors range from pre-veterinary medicine to ag mechanics to food science.

The $10,000 Emery H. Bartle Memorial Scholarship in Dairy Production honors the memory of Emery H. Bartle, a lifelong advocate for excellence in dairy science and agricultural education. This scholarship supports students pursuing academic and professional careers in dairy production. Applicants must be enrolled full time in a four-year accredited college or university in the United States and majoring in dairy production.

Click here to complete the scholarship application and find out more about the Central Plains Dairy Foundation.

For all CPDF scholarships, preference is given to students whose families reside in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin.

“The Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF) scholarship program is a shining example of how the dairy industry is investing in its people – helping students who are passionate about dairy – build strong careers and contribute to a thriving future,” stated CPDF Executive Director Kristy Mach.

The Central Plains Dairy Association is uniquely governed by dairy producers, processors and allied industry professionals representing Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Together, these leaders help advance the association’s mission of providing meaningful opportunities, reliable information and innovative platforms for the Central Plains dairy community while supporting the industry’s continued growth and vitality. Those interested in contributing their experience and serving the dairy industry through a position on the CPDA Board of Directors are encouraged to contact Renee Brod for more information at renee@centralplainsdairyexpo.com.

For more information about CPDE, visit www.centralplainsdairy.com.