For 39 years, Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has sponsored scholarships for MMPA members, their children and employees enrolled in the Agricultural Technology Dairy Management program at Michigan State University (MSU). The scholarships are based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation.
MMPA invests more than $20,000 in scholarship programs each year helping young people pursuing a career in the dairy industry.
Nine MMPA scholarships were awarded to students enrolled in the Dairy Production Program of the Institute of Agricultural Technology at Michigan State University for the 2010-2011 school year. Those students are:
Jamie Atherton, daughter of MMPA members Allen and Jennifer Atherton, of Gaines, Michigan, is active in her family’s dairy farm. Following graduation, Jamie would like to work in the dairy industry and aspires to have her own farm someday.
Ned Lindsey, son of MMPA members Donald and Roberta Lindsey of Tekonsha, Michigan, is active in his family’s dairy farm. He is active in FFA and the MSU Dairy Club. After graduation, he plans to return to his family’s farm.
Jeff Reid, son of MMPA members Jim and Pam Reid of Grant Township, Michigan, is involved with his family's dairy farm. In college, he is a member of the MSU Dairy Club. He plans to return to his family’s farm after graduation.
Ashley Blight, daughter of Matt and Sandy Blight of Bancroft, Michigan, is employed by MMPA member Jeff Cole’s dairy farm. Ashley is active in FFA and is a member of the MSU Dairy Club. After graduation, she would like to work on a dairy farm where she hopes to specialize in calves and heifers.
Diedre Bowen, daughter of Jack and Elizabeth Bowen of Cass City, Michigan, is employed at MMPA member Brent Robinson’s dairy farm. At MSU, Deidre is a member of the Dairy Club. When she graduates, Deidre plans to work on Robinson’s farm and aspires to have her own farm one day.
Dale Dick, son of MMPA members Gordon and Susan Dick, of McBain, Michigan, is active in his family’s dairy farm. Dale is a member of the MSU Dairy Club and Ag Tech Dairy Judging Team. Following graduation, Dale plans to return to the family farm.
Trent Hooks, son of MMPA members Steve and Juliane Hooks of Breckenridge, Michigan, is involved in his family’s dairy farm. He is currently a member of the MSU Dairy Club and Farm House Fraternity. After graduation, he plans to buy into his family farm.
Ross Williams, son of MMPA member Dan Williams of Homer, Michigan, is involved with his family's dairy farm. He is currently a member of the MSU Dairy Club and the Ag Tech Dairy Judging Team. He plans to return to his family’s farm after graduation.
Todd Snyder, son of Larry and Sarah Snyder of Twining, Michigan, is employed by MMPA member farm W-R-L Daniels Dairy Farm in Whittemore, Michigan. Todd is a member of the MSU Dairy Club. Todd would like to become a herdsman after he graduates. PD
—From MMPA news release
