Investing in the Future of Farm Broadcasting
For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) and the NAFB Foundation have been committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural communicators and leaders.
Since 1977, the NAFB Foundation has provided college scholarships and educational opportunities to students pursuing careers in agricultural communications. The first scholarship—valued at $1,000—was awarded in 1977. Since then, more than 160 students have received scholarships totaling $733,250 to help launch their careers in agricultural communications.
Last year’s scholarship recipients were recognized during the 2025 NAFB Convention in Kansas City, where each student received an expense-paid trip to attend the event as part of the award and connect with industry professionals.
Please email info@nafb.com for additional information.
"For me, the scholarship wasn't just about the money. It was about physically coming into contact with people who were doing what I hoped to do. The exposure I got from NAFB members from across the U.S. was energizing!"
Pam Jahnke, Mid-West Farm Report
Receiving an NAFB Foundation scholarship was more than just financial support. It was a vote of confidence in my future. Because of the support from the foundation, I've been able to advance my career and contribute to the industry that I love."
Shannon Yokley Reenan, Incarnate Consulting
Meet the Class of 2026!
The NAFB Foundation has awarded college scholarships for 2026, totaling $47,500, to six students studying agriculture communications. The students will attend and be recognized for their achievements at a special NAFB Foundation Celebration Luncheon on November 18, 2026, during the 83rd NAFB Convention in Kansas City. Since its inception in 1977, the foundation has funded more than $1 million in agriculture student scholarships and internship grants.
“We are honored to be a part of the agricultural broadcasting journeys of these exceptional students,” says Meghan Grebner, NAFB Foundation president and broadcast supervisor for Brownfield Ag News. “These scholarships, made possible through the generous support of our members and corporate partners, help invest in the next generation of farm broadcasters. We look forward to seeing the impact these talented students will make on our industry in the years ahead.”
Receiving scholarships in 2026 are:
- Haley Bode, studying at Southern Illinois University (Orion Samuelson Scholarship presented by CME Group, Inc.)
- Allison Emanuel, studying at Pennsylvania State University (Grow Smart Scholarship presented by BASF)
- Johnna Fulcher, studying at Illinois State University (Cyndi Young Scholarship presented by Brownfield Ag News)
- Jaylea Pope, studying at the University of Nebraska (Jack Farmakis Scholarship presented by J.L. Farmakis, Inc.
- Sydney Septer, studying at Iowa State University (John Deere Scholarship)
- Jennie Watts, studying at Murray State University (Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation Scholarship)
This year’s recipients will be recognized at the 2026 NAFB Convention this November in Kansas City.
Haley Bode
Southern Illinois University
Allison Emanuel
Pennsylvania State University
Johnna Fulcher
Illinois State University
Jaylea Pope
University of Nebraska
Sydney Septer
Iowa State University
Jennie Watts
Murray State University
NAFB Foundation scholarships are made possible by the gracious support of our sponsors.
2025 Scholarship Winners (from left)
Ella Stiefvater, Salem, SD, studying at South Dakota State University (Orion Samuelson Scholarship sponsored by CME Group, Inc.)
Jacie Ambrose, St. Paul, NE, studying at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation Scholarship)
Maci Carter, Caledonia, OH, studying at Oklahoma State University (John Deere Scholarship)
Chloe Zittergruen, Keswick, IA, studying at Iowa State University (Cyndi Young Scholarship presented by Brownfield Ag News)
Cortney Zimmerman, Spencer, WI, studying at Oklahoma State University (Grow Smart Scholarship presented by BASF)
Morgan Anderson, Amanda, OH, studying at Ohio University (Jack Farmakis Scholarship presented by J.L. Farmakis, Inc.)
