2023 Futurity Scholarships Awarded
LINCOLN, Neb. – Presented at the National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Show, held in conjunction with the third annual 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress, both the People’s Choice Balancer Futurity and Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Futurity Scholarships were awarded. Each scholarship provides the winning recipient with $1,000 to be used for the continuation of their education in the field of their choice. Criteria for both scholarship opportunities include active membership within the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) and being actively enrolled as a high school senior or college student that has not yet turned 22 as of January 1, 2023. Scholarship funds may be used to attend a two-year or four-year college, university or technical school.
The 2023 People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity scholarship is Gabrielle Hammer, Wallace, Kansas. Gabrielle is the daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer and currently attends Fort Hays State University majoring in Biology with the hopes of finding a career in Physical Therapy. Graduating from Wallace County High School in 2019 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0, Hammer was actively involved in 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, as well as various community organizations over the years. Through 4-H, Hammer could be found leading as an exhibitor and mentor in the dog project at the local and state level all while balancing leadership positions in both 4-H and the Kansas Junior Gelbvieh Association.
“The Gelbvieh breed has shaped me into the young lady I am today, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities this breed has provided for me. I have come to realize the necessity of educating the public not only about the beef industry but also about agriculture in general,” Hammer mentions.
A ten-year member of the AGJA, Hammer has earned several top recognitions including division winners along with the top five female. Additionally, she has been recognized as a top 10 exhibitor for nine of her 10 years within the association. Hammer looks forward to leading by example in her final year as a member of the AGJA and plans to return to the ranch and continue expanding her Gelbvieh and Balancer herd after finishing her secondary education journey.
Preston Dunn, son of Brian and Carolyn Dunn, of St. John, Kansas, was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Scholarship. Dunn currently attends Kansas State University as a freshman majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. A National Honor Society member and 4.0 2022 graduate of St. John High School, Dunn was actively involved in 4-H serving as his county 4-H council president and treasurer. Among numerous awards received within his 4-H career, Dunn was the recipient of the Kansas Key Award, one of the highest honors awarded to 4-H members across Kansas. Additionally, he has competed on the livestock, meats, and skill-a-thon team placing all-around individual at the 2021 state 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes contest. Dunn didn’t stop there placing second in the state, he participated in the Kansas 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge presenting on Genetic Selection for Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle. Dunn was also very involved in his local FFA chapter serving in many roles including Chapter Vice-President.
Dunn stated, “I don’t know exactly what direction I will end up and am interested in pursuing internships as I progress through college to learn more and find my place in the industry.”
A six-year member of the AGJA, and currently serving his third year as an AGJA director, he has shown exemplary promise and dedication to the Gelbvieh breed through all walks of life.
Congratulations to both of the 2023 Bull Futurity Scholarship recipients. If you know an AGJA member who meets the aforementioned criteria to apply for an AGJA scholarship like these, we encourage you to reach out and share the opportunities provided through the AGJA, American Gelbvieh Foundation, bull futurities, and several memorials. Please contact Jake Renner, AGA member and youth activities coordinator, with questions at gelbviehjuniors@gmail.com.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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