Young Exhibitors Win Big in Michigan Livestock

By Andi Anderson

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the winners of the 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF).

These scholarships support hardworking students who have participated in major livestock events across the state. The program encourages young people to continue their education and contribute to Michigan’s agricultural community.

Since its beginning in 2000, the MYLSF has awarded more than $916,000 to exceptional youth exhibitors. For 2025, a total of $62,000 was distributed among 39 students from different regions of Michigan.

The awards recognize dedication, leadership, and skill in livestock exhibition and related agricultural activities.

Students from Mid-Michigan received several top scholarships, including a $4,500 award to Sophia Barnum and a $4,000 award to Elizabeth Hartmann.

Additional scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 supported students from Ingham, Genesee, Eaton, Isabella, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Clinton, and Ionia counties.

Northern Michigan students also earned recognition, with Grace Shupe receiving a $2,000 scholarship and Chloe Lawrason earning a statewide award. Southeast Michigan participants were honored with scholarships between $1,000 and $2,000 for their achievements in Hillsdale and Monroe counties.

Southwest Michigan students received several major awards, including a $3,500 scholarship to Aden Hathaway and a $3,000 award to Drew George. Additional recipients from Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Barry, and Cass counties were recognized.

In the Thumb Region, two students from Sanilac County received $1,500 scholarships. West Michigan also had several honorees, including a $3,000 award to Jadyn Herzog and multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 for students from Mecosta, Montcalm, Allegan, and Osceola counties.

The scholarships are funded through proceeds from the Michigan Livestock Expo “Sale-Abration” auction and charitable contributions. The program is managed by an 11-member volunteer board dedicated to supporting youth in agriculture.

In addition to the main scholarships, about $14,000 was added to Michigan Education Savings Plans for young exhibitors who participated in judging and showmanship competitions at the Expo.

The MYLSF continues to inspire students to pursue education and careers in agriculture, helping build the next generation of leaders in Michigan’s farming community.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje