W.D. Farr Scholarships Awarded at Cattle Industry Summer Conference
 

DENVER (July 17, 2008) - The academic careers of two outstanding graduate students were recognized today with scholarships awarded in honor of one of the cattle industry’s greatest pioneers. The National Cattlemen’s Foundation honored the late W.D. Farr, of Greeley, Colo., through two annual $12,000 graduate scholarships bearing his name. 

 

Mitchell B. Bowling is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, where he also received his master’s degree. He received his bachelor of science degree in animal science from Texas A&M University. Originally from Texas, Bowling is utilizing his degree work in meat science and food safety to increase exports of U.S. meat products.  His career goal is to actively contribute to the beef industry by applying scientific principles to solve problems with the end goal of making a safer, better meat product for the world to consume.

 

Crystal D. Mathews is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida.  A native of Missouri, she received her master’s degree from Texas A&M University and her bachelor of science degree from the University of Missouri.  Mathews’ academic work focuses on agricultural education and communication with an emphasis on leadership.  In her degree program, she is conducting research on volunteer leadership in the beef industry.  Beyond graduation, Mathews aspires to develop leadership programs tailored to the beef industry.

 

W.D. Farr was president of the National Cattlemen’s Association in 1970, and was the first president of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.  His career in agriculture spanned 75 years and included innovations in cattle feeding, uniform beef grading, water conservation and banking.  Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.

 

Response to the W.D. Farr Graduate Scholarship Program was outstanding, with 29 applications from 16 universities across the country, and three international applicants. Contributions to the scholarship fund total over $200,000, with fundraising efforts pursuing additional dollars to support more young scholars in the beef industry.

 

“We are very pleased to honor the late W.D. Farr and his life’s work in agriculture, while assisting young people who exemplify his drive and vision,” said Bob Josserand, chairman of the NCF Board of Trustees.

 

The National Cattlemen's Foundation advances the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen. For more information visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org