Land O’Lakes, Inc. is proud to offer value-added services to our direct members, while also supporting students in an impactful way. We want to support the next generation of students as they explore careers related to agriculture and the direct member scholarship program is one of those ways. 

2021 Winners 

New this year, due to an overwhelming number of outstanding applicants, the Scholarship Committee selected a runner up to also receive a scholarship award. The winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their higher education and the runner up will receive $2,500. 

Winners

Kayla Dufek (daughter of Larry and Patty Dufek of Dairyland Farm LLC): University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 


Kayla Dufek is from New Franken, Wisconsin, and she plans to study business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Kayla has been involved with 4H, FFA and National Honors Society throughout her high school career. And she has also been involved in her family’s farm and her community by helping a local nursing home.  

“Wisconsin's farmers have long been admired for their honesty, hard work and dedication-- often working seven days a week-- night and day. Farming is deeply rooted in my history,” says Kayla. “I look forward to keeping Wisconsin agriculture history alive by partaking in fourth-generation ownership of my family's farm. I hope to feed America, educate others and make my parents proud as I continue the business.” 

Joseph Machado (son of Joseph Machado of Machado Dairy & Farming Inc.): Stanford University 


Joseph Machado is from Tulare, California. Joseph is planning to study pre-medicine at Stanford University in the fall. Joseph has been involved in leadership positions on the water polo team and through the Future Farmers of America Tulare Chapter. 

“I want to pursue a career in medicine and come back to Central California and give back to my rural community by giving them medical access,” says Joseph. “I will remain the son, grandson and great-grandson of a farmer. In working in the medical field, I will be able to provide medical care for those who continue to work in the farms of California’s central valley.” 

Emily Schmidt (daughter of Jack and Gloria Betley of Betley Farms, LLC): Michigan Technological University 



Emily Schmidt is from Hortonville, Wisconsin, and she is planning to attend the Michigan Technological University to study civil engineering. Emily has been heavily involved with the Girls Golf team at her high school as well as SWAP (Students With a Purpose) and National Honors Society.  

“As I look at my future, and specifically my future after college graduation, many goals pop into my head and motivate me to keep persevering through high school and eventually college. I didn’t always want to be an engineer until pretty recently, thinking I would get into business like all of my family has done before me. It wasn’t until my dad passed away that I realized I needed to jump into a field that would challenge me and make him proud,” says Emily. 

Runner-up

Charles Sebright (son of Robby and Jayne Sebright of Farview Farms): Purdue University 

 

Charles Sebright is from East Berlin, Pennsylvania, and he plans to study Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University. He’s been involved in the crop and dairy operation on his family’s farm as well as held leadership positions with his school’s Interact (volunteer) Club. 

“I plan to use this passion for problem solving to find a role somewhere in the field of designing and developing agricultural systems. Whether it be for an equipment manufacturer or a producer of agricultural products such as Land O’Lakes, I want to use my ingenuity and design capabilities to identify solutions to create efficiencies and opportunities within the agriculture sector,” says Charles. 

More about the Direct Member Scholarship 

Applications for next year will open in January 2022. All students entering their first year of college or University who are children or grandchildren of a direct member producer are eligible. Applications are available in the Community Involvement section of the Members home page. 

A reminder that students pursuing 2-year degrees and technical college programs are also eligible for this scholarship – one of 2019’s scholarship recipients pursued a technical degree.  

If you want to learn more about last year’s winners, check out this Member News Article.