Tawnie DeJong receives beef industry scholarship

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and the South Dakota Cattlewomen awarded the Guy E Ham Beef Industry Scholarship to Tawnie DeJong during the 123rd Annual Convention on September 29.

Tawnie is the daughter of Travis and Pamela DeJong from Philip, South Dakota. She graduated from Philip High School in 2011 Tawnie is currently in her 4th year of classes at South Dakota State University and working toward a double major studying Animal Sciences and Agriculture Leadership.

Bob Fortune, President of the S.D. Stockgrowers presented the $1,000 scholarship to Tawnie saying, “It is clear that Tawnie has worked hard to earn her way through her undergraduate degrees and shows that she really has a passion for agriculture.”

Tawnie plans to complete her undergraduate studies in December 2015 and intends to pursue a masters degree in meat sciences, eventually leading to a college level teaching position and a Ph.D.

The Guy E Ham Beef Industry Scholarship was endowed to the S.D. Stockgrowers and the S.D. Cattlewomen in memory of Guy Ham. Ham had a deep commitment to the education of young leaders in agriculture and was a strong advocate for higher education in agriculture. More information about the scholarship can be found by visiting www.southdakotastockgrowers.com.