Kenneth McFarlane Chief Operating Officer | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Kenneth McFarlane Chief Operating Officer | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Youth exhibitors in Michigan who are graduating high school or have recently graduated are invited to apply for the 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF). The application deadline is May 1, 2025.
The scholarship is available to Michigan residents who are continuing their education at an accredited institution. Scholarships can be general or statewide. Funding comes from the annual Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-Abration auction and charitable donations. An 11-member board from Michigan's agricultural community, including representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), governs the fund.
Since its start in 2000 at the Michigan State Fair, MYLSF has awarded $840,255 in scholarships to youth exhibitors at premier livestock events in Michigan. In 2024, $50,500 was awarded to 43 students.
In 2025, selected applicants will have a chance to interview for larger scholarships up to $5,000 before the Sale-Abration event. The MYLSF Board will make these decisions.
To qualify for a general scholarship, applicants must have exhibited at the Michigan Livestock Expo or Dairy Expo for three years before applying. For a statewide scholarship, they must have exhibited at local or state exhibitions for three years.
The winners of the 2024 MYLSF scholarships included:
- $5,000: Madalyn Laskowski
- $4,000: Samual Jones
- Various amounts were awarded to other deserving students listed by name and location.
Applications and requirements can be found online and must be submitted electronically by May 1, 2025. For inquiries, contact Jeff Haarer at MDARD or Sheila Burkhardt at the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
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