The Cattle Capital Cattlemen affiliate of Nebraska Cattlemen, who represents the beef industry in the Central Panhandle, annually awards scholarships to outstanding future agricultural leaders. The Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 and is endowed through the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. Due to excellent investment performance, the Scholarship Committee increased the amount available this year. The fund was fortunate to receive an additional donation from an anonymous donor in the amount of $1000. Cattle Capital Cattlemen sincerely appreciates this donation. These scholarships are awarded to students pursing higher and extended educational opportunities benefitting the beef industry.
We thank the thirteen outstanding applicants who applied for the CCC Scholarship this year and wish them the best in their future education. We encourage them to apply for the 2022-2023 CCC Scholarship as well as the Nebraska Foundation Scholarships that can be found at nebraskacattlemen.org.
Cattle Capital Cattlemen President Jerry Underwood is pleased to announce three recipients of the 2021-22 Cattle Capital Cattlemen Foundation scholarships. Emma Cogdill daughter of Maribeth Moore and Bill Cogdill of Chadron has received the 1800.00 award, Jayce Meyring, son of Shauna and Jay Meyring, of rural Alliance and Jack Payne, son of Ann and Josh Payne of rural Hemingford are the recipient of a $1200.00 award.
Emma, the recipient of $1800.00, a 2021 graduate of Chadron High School will be a freshman at Chadron State College majoring in Grassland Ecology. At Chadron High School, Emma is a member of National Honor Society, Health Professions Club, as well as sports, educational activities, and extensive participation in FFA, currently as President. She’s earned awards in biotechnology, communications and brings a team spirit to her endeavors. She has also been involved with various aspects of the Dawes County 4-H program receiving several awards. She makes her community a top priority and has made many contributions toward making it thrive. Emma stated in regard to working toward a Grassland Ecology degree and potentially returning to the area, “I believe my path in life is to step-up and advocate for the wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants… because the fate of all life hangs in the balance. That is why I’m pursuing this passion [Grassland Ecology] as a career.”
Jayce Meyring a graduate of Alliance High School, will be attending Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas to work toward an agriculture business degree and compete on the Livestock Judging Team. He plans to complete his general studies then enroll in a four-year accredited college to earn a double major and bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Ag Economics. Jayce has been very involved and held offices in FFA and has earned local and state awards in showing animals and the business aspect of agriculture. He’s also been an officer in 4-H and has earned several state, local and national awards. He’s a member of National Honor Society, Student Council and has been a class officer. As Jayce plans his path he stated, “After earning experience, I want to make a career in the cattle industry.” In looking at his future he added, “No matter where the road takes me, I know I will always have a love and passion for cattle and beef and will want to share it with others.”
Jack Payne, a $1200.00 recipient, a 2021 graduate of Hemingford High School, will be a freshman majoring in Agribusiness and Beef Production at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, WY. Jack is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council and has participated in athletics at HHS throughout his school career. He has served his community in many ways. As a member of FFA he holds qualifications of Discovery, Greenhand and Chapter Degrees. As a member of 4-H he’s shown both cattle and swine and received Champion awards. He works at Manning Ranch, his family operation. Jack stated, “I wish to be a champion/advocate for constant improvement of genetics, animal performance measures and data collection. I intend to learn and share my knowledge gained within the cattle community.”