Each year, First District Association offers scholarships to its member-owners. Below are the recipients of our 2022 scholarships: 

 

Benjamin Beranek

Gibbon, MN

Since the age of five, you would see Benjamin out in the yard helping with whatever he could on the farm. Benjamin is the fifth generation on his family’s 125-year-old dairy farm. His love for the farm now has him milking the cows, feeding livestock, hauling manure and fixing equipment. The special interest in machinery led Benjamin to pursue Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota. He hopes to use his knowledge from his degree to learn more on the construction side to help with projects such as farm buildings, manure pits and all things agriculture. Benjamin has been involved in FFA, trapshooting, his church and PKU Events. After school, he hopes to get a job close to home so he can still be able to help on the family farm.

“The world of ag is always advancing and farming is my biggest passion.”

 

 

Erin Borash

Bowlus, MN

From a young age, Erin has always been fascinated by the dairy industry. Her and her siblings would play hide and seek between cows and ride through fields on hay bales. These memories played a key role in deciding what to do with her future. Erin will attend the University of Wisconsin, River Falls in the fall to pursue a major in Animal Science and minor in Environmental Science. She plans to come back to the family farm and put her degree of conservation to work by maintaining healthy soil and plants for grazing. Outside of school, Erin is very active with her church, 4-H, FFA and serving as a Morrison County Dairy Princess.

“I hope to be a voice to help people understand the dedication farmers put into producing fresh and wholesome dairy products.”

 

 

Aaron Christen

Albany, MN

Aaron is attending Ridgewater College in Willmar for Dairy Management where he hopes to bring his experiences in class back to the family farm after graduation. Aaron wanted to broaden his horizon on what others have done to make farming work for them. He has big plans for the farm when he returns like expanding his herd and implementing robots. Aaron has been involved with the Captains and Leaders Club through football and volunteering with his local church.

“My education will help me manage my money on the farm with cash flow, and budgeting for future years to come.”

 

 

Cadence Goblirsch

Wabasso, MN

Ever since she was a little girl, Cadence has had a love for animals and taking care of them. She plans to attend South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Animal Science to become a veterinarian to make her dream a reality. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm has also given her the motivation to pursue this path. Once she obtains her DVM, she can’t wait to give back to her community by helping farmers across Minnesota. Cadence is very active in many activities including FFA, National Honors Society, theater, One Act Play, 4-H, Redwood Saddle Club, journalism, her local church, tutoring, and volunteering at the local food-shelf and road ditch clean up.

“I guess, ever since I was little I have always felt the need to help animals, but now it just feels like second nature.”

 

 

Owen Haubenschild

Princeton, MN

Growing up on his family farm has given Owen a great work ethic and drive to push himself further. Owen’s niche has been the financial aspect of agriculture and the agribusiness industry. He hopes after college to get a job within the agriculture field where he can utilize his passion and expertise of finance to help farmers with their financial decisions. Besides working alongside his family on the farm, Owen is also involved in 4-H, track and field, cross county, choir, and is the president of both the National Honors Society and Lions Club.

“I would like to stay in the agriculture field because it is on of the only industries that the world cannot physically live without. While being a key part of the world economy, it is also imperative to the survival of the human race.”

 

 

Drew Johnson

Pennock, MN

Rural mental health is something that is heavy on Drew’s mind. After graduating from KMS High School he will be attending Bethel University where he hopes he can be a resource and support system for farmers struggling with mental health. Growing up on his family’s dairy farm has allowed Drew to become interested in the business side of the farm.

“I want to help solve these problems and be a support for farmers that are dealing with mental health problems.”

 

 

Joseph Nienaber

Freeport, MN

After graduating from Ridgewater College’s Agriculture Power and Equipment Technician program, Joseph’s plan is to take over the family farm. He plans to take home the skills from the program to help save money by being able to repair his own equipment and help his neighbors as well. Joseph has not only been active on his family’s farm, but has also helped on several neighboring farms with various different chores.

“[Helping neighboring farms] has taught me how important it is to respect your neighbors and help them whenever you can.”

 

 

Clara Pflueger

Albany, MN

There have been many people who have been an influence in Clara’s life. Many of which are involved in agriculture. Since working on the farm, Clara has learned various lessons like how to tell when a cow is feeling sick and putting in the work every day to care for the farm. Clara is studying Agriculture Business at Ridgewater College. She is involved in 4-H, FFA and currently serves as a Stearns County Dairy Ambassador. Through her time as a dairy ambassador and in school, Clara sees the importance of advocating for agriculture and telling consumers about her experience on the farm and clear up any misconceptions.

“I hope by continuing my education and later working in the agricultural industry I can help to clear some of [misconceptions] these up.”

 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!