NMCGA & Purina Mills Fund Agriculture Scholars

by Gracie Hooten, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association

New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) recently awarded four scholarships during the annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention. Recipients and their families were recognized during the Stockmen’s Award Luncheon in December. Purina Mills along with NMCGA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership (YCLC) and the Allied Industries Committees worked together to fund two $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships.

Purina Mills Scholars, receiving $1,000 each, were Emma Traylor and Sterlin Mitchell. Emma is from Capitan where she was raised on her family’s ranch learning the value of hard work, but to always enjoy the little things.

In high school, Emma worked under Dr. Rebecca Washburn at her veterinary clinic. This is where she quickly fell in love with the veterinary industry and all it has to offer. Emma is currently studying Animal Science with a pre-veterinary concentration at Texas Tech University to fulfill her career goals of becoming a veterinarian.

Sterlin was raised on the San Cristobal Ranch of Singleton Ranches near Santa Fe. Being raised on a ranch has provided him with the ability to ride and show some great horses. This past year, Sterlin finished in the top ten in Reined Cow Horse and Boys Cutting at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyoming.

He is a senior attending the online program at Mosquero High School. After graduation, he plans to obtain a degree in Ranch and Feedlot Operations.

“Investing in our youth shines a bright light on the future of the industry,” said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. “I commend the parents of these students for raising them with the values of hard work and a commitment to agriculture.”

YCLC and Allied Scholars, receiving $500 each, were Libby Modisette and Shawn Agar.

Libby is a senior at Texico High School and is an active member of FFA. She has a true love and passion for showing livestock, which has gifted her with some of the best and most influential experiences of her life. Given her love for animals and animal science, Libby is fully committed to accomplish her career dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Shawn is from Santa Rosa and was raised on a commercial beef cattle operation. He is currently a junior at Oklahoma State University. His overall career goals are to fulfill his passion in the cattle industry, obtain an Animal Science degree, and become a real estate appraiser.

The Association received thirteen scholarship applications in 2022. Judges remarked on the challenge it was to select recipients, as every student showcased young lives filled with accomplishment sustained through hard work and community involvement. We encourage all past applicants to apply again in 2023. ▫