Iowa Farm Bureau announces scholarship winners

To support students seeking opportunities in the agricultural industry, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has awarded scholarships to 132 students continuing their education, including three from The Union’s coverage area.

The three local scholarship winners are Allison Sloan of Eldon, Carmen Sieren of Keota, and Morgan Grelk of Crawfordsville. Sieren and Grelk were named among the first-time IFBF scholarship winners.

Allison Sloan was named the recipient of the Edward W. and Isabelle M. Klodt Memorial Scholarship, a one-time $500 award for a Wapello County student pursuing a degree in agriculture. The Klodts were community leaders and progressive conservationists focused on the future of agriculture and improving their farm and community. This memorial scholarship embodies the values the Klodts appreciated of leadership, hard work, dedication to others and a belief in higher education.

Carmen Sieren, whose parents are Jason & Katherine Sieren, plans to attend Oklahoma State University.

Morgan Grelk, whose parents are Joe & Lynn Grelk, plans to attend Wartburg College.

“Students studying agriculture and who are committed to returning to rural Iowa play a significant role in advancing Iowa’s farms and rural communities. One in five jobs in Iowa is tied to agriculture. From animal feed nutritionists and food safety specialists to soil health entrepreneurs and precision agriculture technicians, each job is essential in bringing products from the farm field to the world market. The Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to support their goals by awarding these scholarships,” says IFBF Community Resources Manager Ronnette Vondrak. “Iowa agriculture leads the nation not only in production but in research and innovation. These young leaders will bring new ideas forward and strengthen our meaningful industry.”

Twenty-seven scholarships were given to first-time recipients planning to obtain a two- or four-year degree at an accredited higher education institution. This includes community colleges and technical schools. Eligibility is based on Farm Bureau membership, academic achievement, financial need, community and extracurricular involvement and letters of recommendation.

Scholarships are renewable up to four years for students who maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and are in good standing. Iowa Farm Bureau approved 105 renewals for 2022.