The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation announced on Apr. 22 that it has awarded $255,000 in scholarships to 98 high school seniors and college students across the state for the year 2026. The awards include 27 first-time recipients and 71 renewals, supporting students as they pursue two- or four-year degrees at accredited institutions.
These scholarships are renewable for up to four years, with a total potential value of $10,000 per student. Eligibility is based on Farm Bureau membership, academic performance, financial need, community involvement, letters of recommendation and commitment to rural Iowa.
“Young people are the future of Iowa and our rural communities, and we’re honored to stand with them as they pursue careers that will keep agriculture strong,” said Ronnette Vondrak, Iowa Farm Bureau community resources manager. “Through these scholarships, Iowa Farm Bureau is investing in students’ potential and in the next generation of leaders, innovators and advocates who will help family farms succeed and rural communities prosper for years to come.”
Several local scholarships were also distributed this year. Zachary Knepper and Cecelia Mensching received the Robert H. Rewoldt scholarship for northeast Iowa; Gabe Moermond and Andrew Nelson were named Pat and Marilyn Carper scholarship recipients in northwest Iowa; Brock Atwood and Hailey Pedrick received Beverly Rubey Scholarships for Jefferson County agriculture students.
The organization has reinvested $125 million into rural communities through its Renew Rural Iowa program according to the official website. The federation also serves as title sponsor for both the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association according to its official website.
With initiatives focused on economic development, education support programs like these scholarships, and efforts to improve health care access in rural areas according to its official website, the federation continues its role as a key supporter of local communities. It maintains offices throughout all counties—100 offices across 99 counties—and operates as part of a national network affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation covering all states plus Puerto Rico as reported by its official site.
