AgriBank and AFA Award Scholarships to Future Agriculture Leaders

On August 21, 2026, AgriBank and the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) announced the recipients of the William J. Collins Scholarship, which supports students pursuing careers in agriculture. This year’s awards go to Grace Bennett of southwest Wisconsin and Mae Wedemeier of Northeast Iowa. The program provides financial aid and leadership training to children of Farm Credit employees within the AgriBank District. Scholarship recipients receive funding for college as well as personal and professional development at the AFA Leaders Conference, the organization's main event for connecting students with peers and industry professionals.

Both recipients are pursuing four-year degrees in agriculture. Grace Bennett will attend Oklahoma State University to major in animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis. Having grown up on a small family farm, she has hands-on experience in agriculture and will also compete on the collegiate rodeo team. Mae Wedemeier will attend Iowa State University to major in agricultural communications. Her upbringing on a dairy farm informs her goal of working closely with producers and consumers.

The scholarship program is part of AFA’s wider work to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Since its inception, AFA has provided over $11 million in scholarships and leadership development experiences to more than 24,000 students across 200 colleges and universities. The organization aims to build bridges for young leaders, fostering engagement and innovation in the food and agriculture sectors.

As the agricultural landscape evolves, programs like the William J. Collins Scholarship continue to support students entering the field. The AFA Leaders Conference, with its focus on leadership and networking, helps equip students with skills for their careers. The commitment of AgriBank and AFA provides ongoing support for students in agriculture, investing in the future of the industry and rural America.