Three South Dakota State University students in the Department of Animal Science recently received scholarships from Certified Angus Beef (CAB). Each year, CAB awards scholarships to 15 undergraduate students and five graduate students from across the U.S. who are enrolled in programs in animal, food or meat sciences and have shown potential to become leaders in the beef industry.
“Being selected for this scholarship is a huge accomplishment,” said Zachary Smith, assistant professor of feedlot nutrition and management. “It is a testament to the quality of students and quality of instruction in beef cattle production here at SDSU.”
SDSU recipients of the scholarships for 2022 include two undergraduate students and one graduate student:
Forest Francis
Forest Francis, originally from Perrin, Texas, is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in animal science, with a focus on ruminant nutrition and feed yard management. On campus, he works at the SDSU Ruminant Nutrition Center and is part of the Animal Science Graduate Student Association.
Francis was selected as the top recipient of the Graduate Colvin Scholarship, receiving a total of $7,500. CAB flew him to the annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in September 2022, where he helped raise money at their golf tournament that helped fund the scholarships. Francis was also invited to attend a general session with an on-stage Q&A.
“I am grateful to have received the 2022 Certified Angus Beef Colvin Graduate Scholarship,” said Francis. “The applicant pool for this year’s scholarship was extremely strong, and I am honored that Certified Angus Beef selected me as the top recipient of the graduate scholarship.”
After graduating in May, Francis hopes to become a beef industry production consultant or professor.
“Not only are the funds from the scholarship allowing me to finish paying for my graduate education, but by attending the Certified Angus Beef Annual Conference, I have had the opportunity to make many new connections across the U.S. beef industry,” said Francis.
Jace Stagemeyer
Jace Stagemeyer of Page, Nebraska, is a senior agricultural systems technology student. On campus, Stagemeyer is a member of of the 2022-2023 SDSU Livestock Judging Team.
Stagemeyer was selected as a recipient of the Undergraduate Production Agriculture Colvin Scholarship, receiving a total of $3,500. CAB also invited him to attend their annual conference.
After graduation, Stagemeyer would like to return home to take over his family’s diversified operation where they raise row crops, have a custom backgrounding operation, and manage a purebred Angus seedstock program. A future goal of Stagemeyer’s is to implement a fall show heifer sale as part of their operation.
“The Angus breed has been very influential in my life, and I’m grateful for their insight into supporting youth in agriculture,” said Stagemeyer. “I’m very honored to receive this scholarship and thankful for all the opportunities I have been blessed with in my time with the Angus breed.”
Teigen Hadrick
Teigen Hadrick of Faulkton, South Dakota, is a sophomore pursuing a degree in animal science with a production emphasis. On campus, he is actively involved in SDSU’s Farmhouse Fraternity and Little International.
Hadrick was selected as a recipient of the Undergraduate Colvin Production Agriculture Scholarship, receiving a total of $2,500.
Having grown up working on his family’s commercial Angus ranch, Hadrick is confident that his future lies in working with cattle. He would like to work in the animal agriculture sector, either on his family’s ranch or elsewhere in the industry.
“I was very honored to receive this scholarship because of how close my family has worked with CAB in the past, and I hope to carry on a tradition of excellence just like CAB has done for so many years,” said Hadrick.
For more information about the Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship program, visit the CAB website.