Thanks to the generous donations of many in the community, the Callaway-Montgomery Cattlemen’s Association (CMCA) will award eight high school students and 10 collegiate students a total of $22,000 in scholarships to support their educational endeavors in 2026–27.

Beef production in the Show-Me State adds nearly $2 billion to Missouri’s economy and supports more than 40,000 jobs, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

“The next generation of producers, scientists, and agricultural communicators is being shaped in today’s classrooms and laboratories, and the CMCA is proud to invest in those futures,” says Brad Benne, CMCA president and co-owner of BW Cattle Co. in Kingdom City. “A good fence is only as strong as its weakest post, and the same is true for agriculture.

“When we invest in these students (in their character, their education, and their commitment to this industry), we are reinforcing the corners of something that matters far beyond our two counties.”

Receiving $2,000 each, this year’s high school scholarship recipients are:

• Austin Brown of Auxvasse, graduating from North Callaway and pursuing a degree in electrical technologies from State Technical College. Parents are Devin and Shana Brown.

• Elaina Uthlaut of New Florence, graduating from Hermann High School and pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering from Montana State University. Parents are Ernst and Keely Uthlaut.

• Nathan Utterback of Fulton, graduating from North Callaway and pursuing a degree in utility construction from State Technical College. Parents are Alan and Carrie Utterback.

• Faith Williams of Rhineland, graduating from Hermann High School and pursuing a degree in animal science from Redlands Community College. Parents are Ben and Sara Williams.

High school scholarship recipients receiving $1,000 each:

• Rylee Horstman of Auxvasse, graduating from North Callaway and pursuing a degree in biochemistry from Westminster. Parents are Michael and Treasa Horstman.

• Ella Slater of Auxvasse, graduating from North Callaway and pursuing a degree in health science from University of Missouri. Parents are Bobby and Shannon Slater.

• Dallas Smith of Auxvasse, graduating from Smith Farms Homeschool and pursuing a degree in agri-operations from State Technical College. Parents are Jason and Mamie Smith.

• Gage Tiffany of Fulton, graduating from Fulton High School and pursuing a degree in agriculture management from North Central Missouri College. Parents are Josh and Lane Tiffany.

This year’s collegiate scholarship recipients, each receiving $1,000, are:

• Macy Bader of Hermann, studying plant science and systems technology at University of Missouri. Parent is Bill Bader.

• Samantha Boedges of Hermann, studying law at University of Missouri School of Law. Parents are Jim and Megan Boedges.

• Adrian Brown of Auxvasse, studying agricultural science at University of Central Missouri. Parents are Devin and Shana Brown.

• Addison Fansler of Auxvasse, studying nursing at Moberly Area Community College. Parents are Kurt and Jill Fansler.

• Sophie Geppert of Kingdom City, studying agribusiness management at University of Missouri. Parent is Kate Geppert.

• Carly Henderson of Wellsville, studying agricultural communications with an animal science emphasis at Iowa State University. Parents are Mike Henderson and Heather Henderson.

• Carter Moore of Auxvasse, studying biochemistry at Westminster College. Parents are Dawn and Dustin Moore.

• Shea Stille of Bellflower, studying natural resources - fish and wildlife at University of Missouri. Parents are Ned and Maria Stille.

• Shelby Stille of Bellflower, studying veterinary medicine at University of Missouri. Parents are Ned and Maria Stille.

• Jaylynn Zerr of Montgomery City, studying agricultural business at Northwest Missouri State University. Parents are Jeff and Kristal Zerr.

“We are blessed to have the support of so many local businesses in both Callaway and Montgomery counties, and it is that support that allows us to help champion these students in their educational pursuits,” says Caren Blaue, CMCA vice president and co-owner of CR Angus Farms and Sims 2 from Wellsville.

The scholarship committee based their evaluation on leadership and community involvement, academic performance, and dedication to the beef industry and agriculture.

Throughout the year, CMCA hosts fundraisers to support youth education and development. Upcoming events include:

• Aug. 7-8, Auxvasse Rodeo, in partnership with the Callaway Youth Expo, in Auxvasse.

For more information about the association or upcoming events, visit the CMCA Facebook page or reach out to any one of the board members.