One day , I ’ d like to share my knowledge , experiences and research findings related to meat science with future students , colleagues and industry professionals . This scholarship gets me closer to that aspiration .
GRADUATE STUDENTS COMMITTED TO THE BEEF INDUSTRY RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
Megan Eckhardt of New Braunfels , Texas , and Jaime Luke of Stanberry , Missouri , have each been awarded a $ 15,000 W . D . Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen ’ s Foundation ( NCF ). Eckhardt and Luke were selected from a record 51 qualified applicants . These two recipients will be recognized during CattleCon24 , Jan . 31-Feb . 2 , in Orlando , Florida .
Eckhardt received a bachelor ’ s degree in animal science and meat science business from Texas Tech University and a master ’ s degree in animal science from Angelo State University . She is now pursuing her doctorate in meat science at West Texas A & M University . Involved with 4-H and FFA from an early age , Eckhardt grew up helping on her family ’ s ranch in Texas . Participating in the full cycle of beef production from pasture to plate sparked her passion for a career in meat science .
“ One day , I ’ d like to share my knowledge , experiences and research findings related to meat science with future students , colleagues and industry professionals ,” Eckhardt said . “ This scholarship gets me closer to that aspiration .”
Luke was raised on a diversified row crop and cow-calf operation in northwest Missouri . As her family discussed calving updates and commodity markets around the dinner table , Luke knew a career in the beef industry was in her future . She received bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri and is currently pursuing her doctorate in the same field at Kansas State University . While her focus is on agricultural economics , including livestock and meat markets , she is also involved with ongoing research seeking to understand the
One day , I ’ d like to share my knowledge , experiences and research findings related to meat science with future students , colleagues and industry professionals . This scholarship gets me closer to that aspiration .
2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
adoption of methane mitigating strategies by cattle producers .
“ I believe there exists value in communicating face-to-face with producers to fully grasp the ‘ why ’ behind the decision to adopt or not adopt a new technology or practice ,” Luke said . “ Receiving this scholarship will allow me to interact directly with producers to gather insights that can help the beef industry .”
The annual W . D . Farr Scholarship program recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements , leadership and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry . The scholarship , established by NCF in 2007 , honors the successful career of the late W . D . Farr . Farr , a third-generation Coloradan , pioneer rancher , statesman and banker who was known for his extraordinary vision . His dedication to improving agriculture , livestock and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation . Farr was the first president of the NCF and served as president of the American National Cattlemen ’ s Association , which later became the National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association ( NCBA ). Farr died at age 97 in
August 2007 .
The NCF advances the future of the beef industry by assisting in the education of the next generation of beef industry professionals . For more information about NCF and the W . D . Farr Scholarship , visit www . nationalcattlemensfoundation . org .
Jaime Luke Kansas State University
Megan Eckhardt West Texas A & M University
www . NCBA . org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 11