Hoegemeyer Hybrids Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients
Hoegemeyer Hybrids is excited to announce the recipients of its 2019 Hoegemeyer Cares Scholarship: Erica Baier, Kyle Poen and Nicholas Torkelson from Iowa State University; Jacob Borgelt from Northeast Community College; Trevor Stene from South Dakota State University; Noah Ondracek from Southeast Community College; Micah Swedberg from the University of Nebraska, Kearney; and Trisha Dybdal, Donovan Buss and Layne Miller from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Each student received a $500 scholarship for the 2019–20 academic year.
Together, Hoegemeyer Hybrids and its customers provide the monies needed for the Hoegemeyer Cares Scholarship Fund.
Erica Baier is a senior at Iowa State University, majoring in agricultural education. She is the daughter of Brad and Jodi Baier of Adel, Iowa. Erica is actively involved in her family’s row crop and livestock operation, served as the National FFA secretary and continues to serve in state officer programs with the National FFA. Upon graduation, Erica plans to pursue a career as a high school agricultural education teacher.
Kyle Poen is a freshman at Iowa State University, majoring in agricultural systems technology and agricultural business. He is the son of Kevin and Lynn Poen of Lake City, Iowa. Kyle has served as vice president of his local FFA chapter, attended national and state FFA conventions and leadership conferences in Iowa. Upon graduation, Kyle plans to test equipment and technology for a reputable agriculture company.
Nicholas Torkelson is a junior at Iowa State University, majoring in agricultural studies. He is the son of Dave and Joni Torkelson of Humboldt, Iowa. Nicholas is actively involved in his family’s livestock and row crop operation. Upon graduation, Nicholas plans to continue to help manage and grow the family farm.
Jacob Borgelt is a freshman at Northeast Community College, majoring in precision agriculture. He is the son of Alan and Kristie Borgelt of Wisner, Neb. Jacob has a strong background and passion in feeding cattle and understands the importance of running an efficient operation. Upon graduation, Jacob plans to return to the family feedlot and farm.
Trevor Stene is a freshman at South Dakota State University, majoring in precision agriculture. He is the son of Travis and Natalie Stene of Alcester, S.D. Trevor knows the importance of community involvement and has been active with athletics, church and school committees. Upon graduation, Trevor plans to return to the family farm and start his own precision ag business.
Noah Ondracek is a freshman at Southeast Community College, majoring in agriculture management and production. He is the son of Thomas and Christine Ondracek of Fremont, Neb. Noah has been involved in his local 4-H chapter and serves as the Dodge County 4-H ambassador. Upon graduation, Noah plans to earn another degree in precision machining and continue to support the family farm.
Micah Swedberg is a freshman at the University of Nebraska – Kearney, majoring in agricultural business. She is the daughter of Ralph and LaDonna Swedberg of North Platte, Neb. Micah has a strong passion for FFA and the life lessons it teaches students. Upon graduation, Micah plans to return to the family farm.
Trisha Dybdal is a freshman at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in agricultural marketing communications. She is the daughter of Hoegemeyer dealers, Larry and Krista Dybdal of Newcastle, Neb. Trisha has been active in 4-H, FFA and Charolais Associations across the Midwest. Upon graduation, Trisha plans to stay involved in her family’s Charolais operation and pursue a career advocating for agriculture.
Donovan Buss is a senior at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in agricultural business; emphasizing in livestock industries. He is the son of Bryan and Diane Buss of York, Neb. Donovan has a strong background in FFA SAE projects and is actively involved in his family’s cattle operation. Upon graduation, Donovan plans to pursue a career maximizing production and profitability for growers through precision technology and best practices.
Layne Miller is a freshman at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in agribusiness; emphasizing in banking and finance. He is the son of Roy and Sarah Miller of Oakland, Neb. Layne has served as multiple FFA chapter officers and has competed in state and national FFA competitions. Upon graduation, Layne plans to pursue a career in ag banking and lending.
“Each year we receive more than 200 excellent applications for this scholarship,” says Hoegemeyer general manager Jeremy Thompson. “The students studying agriculture right now are very bright and ambitious, and we should be proud as they start to enter the workforce in the coming years.”
The primary target for this scholarship is high school seniors and college-age students who are pursuing a degree in agriculture, either at a two-year or four-year institution. Hoegemeyer plans to award ten $500 scholarships for the 2020–2021 school year. Interested student can check our website for scholarship applications starting in February 2020.