EAGAN, Minn. – The Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture (MFA) is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Paul Stark Memorial, Al Christopherson, and the new Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture scholarship. These honors scholarships recognize outstanding young leaders in agriculture who have demonstrated dedication to their communities, leadership within 4-H, FFA, collegiate organizations, and Farm Bureau, and a commitment to advancing the agricultural industry.

“We’re proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and all they’re doing through academics, within their communities and in agriculture,” said Ruth Linkenmeyer-Meirick, Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture director. “These students are working hard, building their leadership skills and have bright careers in agriculture ahead of them. We’re excited to support them along the way through these scholarships. The future of agriculture is in good hands with young leaders like these.”

Al Christopherson Scholarship Recipients 

Katie Thome of Mower County is a rising senior at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities majoring in agricultural communications and marketing with a minor in animal science. On campus, she is an active member of Beta of Clovia, Block and Bride and is helping establish a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. Thome demonstrated leadership through 4-H, FFA, and the Minnesota Pork Board, where she serves as a Mower County Pork Producer Ambassador and Oink Booth Supervisor at the Minnesota State Fair. She has also gained professional experience through internships with the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Kibble Equipment and Elanco Animal Health, strengthening her skills in agricultural communications, advocacy and consumer engagement. 

Savannah Selin from Chisago County is a rising junior at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities majoring in animal science and agricultural education. She is involved in a variety of clubs and organizations including Agriculture Future of America, the Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club, Alpha Tau Alpha, Block & Bridle. Selin was a member of the 2025 Minnesota Farm Bureau Herd class. Selin has demonstrated leadership through 4-H as a Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, FFA as a chapter officer, and the Chisago County Agricultural Society. She also served as the Minnesota State Rabbit Breeders Association Queen and continues to promote agriculture through youth outreach, agricultural education and consumer engagement. 

Keegan Lorang is a rising senior at South Dakota State University majoring in agricultural systems technology and is originally from Renville County. At college he serves as president of the Agronomy and Precision Ag Club and vice president of administration for the SDSU FarmHouse Fraternity... Lorang is also an SDSU Admissions and Raven Ambassador, helping connect prospective students with opportunities in agriculture and precision technology. His background includes leadership in 4-H and FFA and hands-on experience through multiple agricultural internships. He remains actively engaged in agricultural advocacy and commodity organizations while preparing for a career in precision agriculture. 

Ella Weist of Washington/Ramsey County is a rising senior at the University of Minnesota -Crookston majoring in animal science with a pre-veterinary medicine emphasis. Weist serves in leadership roles within the university's Pre-Vet Club, Dairy Club and Ag Arama Club, where she was elected treasurer for the upcoming academic year. Weist is also involved in Agriculture and Natural Resources Activity Day, helping prepare dairy heifers for youth livestock judging competitions. Through her leadership experiences, volunteer service and hands-on experience working on a dairy farm, she is preparing for a career as a veterinarian serving livestock producers. 

Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship Recipients 

Bryce Haubenschild, a rising sophomore at South Dakota State University from Kanabec-Isanti County, is pursuing a degree in agricultural systems technology with an emphasis in Precision Agriculture. Haubenschild served as finance chair for Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, treasurer of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Prexy Council, equipment superintendent for Little International, and a CAFES Ambassador. He also helped found the SDSU Jackrabbits Ducks Unlimited Club, serving as secretary while helping the organization grow to more than 130 members. Haubenschild plans to build on his leadership experience before returning to manage and expand his family's farm

Alivia Fruechte, from Lincoln County will be an incoming freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Agricultural Business. Fruechte has a history of leadership through FFA and 4-H, serving as chapter president and sentinel, county 4-H ambassador, and competing in livestock judging, and sheep showing.   Over the years she has volunteered through her church, school, and community. Fruechte plans to pursue a career in seed sales or marketing before returning to her family’s farm. 

Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship

Part of the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture’s mission is to foster the future of agriculture. Because of generous support from donors, the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture’s Board of Directors introduced a new scholarship program to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Sibley County Farm Bureau member, John Schaefer, was instrumental in helping develop the new scholarship program.

Keith Harner, of Rice County is a rising sophomore at South Dakota State University pursuing a degree in agricultural science. Harner helped reestablish the Northfield FFA Chapter after a 33-year absence, serving as its first chapter president and later vice president. He has also held numerous leadership roles in 4-H, including club president, county ambassador, state agriculture ambassador, and swine project development committee youth chair. At SDSU, he is active in several student organizations, including Collegiate Farm Bureau, where he has found opportunities to build lasting connections and advocate for agriculture. Looking ahead, Harner hopes to combine his agricultural background with an interest in psychology to help farm families successfully navigate farm transition planning.