Dairy farmers know the future of agriculture depends on investing in the next generation.
This year, Dairy MAX awarded $7,500 in scholarships to three students across the region who have strong ties to the dairy industry and plan to continue their education in agriculture. The 2026 scholarship recipients are Abby van Adrichem of Bryan, Texas; Breck Averhoff of Garden City, Kansas; and Logan Liere of Franklin, Texas. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship to support their college education.
Since 2010, Dairy MAX has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to more than 30 deserving students.
“At Dairy MAX, we believe supporting the next generation of dairy professionals is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” said Julie Stefko, director of farmer and industry relations. “This scholarship program gives us the opportunity to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to agriculture, leadership and their communities. We are proud to stand behind these three students as they advance their education and their careers in dairy.”
Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, leadership and involvement in agriculture. This year, 21 applications underwent an in-depth judging process.
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Abby van Adrichem grew up on her family’s dairy farm, Friendship Dairies. She is currently completing her degree at Texas A&M University in animal science and agricultural economics with a 4.0 GPA. Van Adrichem has served as president of the Texas A&M Dairy Science Club, undergraduate coach for the Texas A&M Dairy Challenge Team and an undergraduate teaching assistant for principles of animal nutrition. She also has gained industry experience through internships with the Houston and San Antonio livestock shows and rodeos, participation in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium and ongoing work as a research assistant at Texas A&M AgriLife. After completing her undergraduate and graduate education, van Adrichem plans to pursue a career in dairy cattle nutrition and consulting.
Breck Averhoff is a first-year agribusiness student at Kansas State University who grew up working at Royal Farms Dairy in Garden City, Kansas. Through his work on the farm and at the Kansas State University Dairy Unit, Averhoff has gained hands-on experience in herd management, feed rations, research projects and daily herd care. A decorated FFA and 4-H alumnus, Averhoff earned the American FFA Degree, served as Kansas Southwest District FFA president and earned numerous state and national recognitions in dairy evaluation and public speaking. This summer, Averhoff plans to participate in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium as he works toward his long-term goal of becoming a third-generation dairy farmer.
Logan Liere was raised on Liere Dairy in Franklin, Texas, where he has worked alongside his family in daily milking, calf care, equipment operation and facility management. A graduating senior from Franklin High School, Liere has served as a Brazos Valley District FFA officer and chapter president and competed in dairy judging throughout high school. He also has been a multi-year letterman in football and powerlifting and a dedicated community volunteer. Liere will attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study animal science, with plans to return to the family dairy and help expand the operation to include on-site pasteurization and direct-to-consumer milk sales.
Eligible scholarship applicants must reside in the Dairy MAX region and be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student enrolled in a technical school, junior college or four-year college program. Applicants must also be a child of a dairy farmer or a child of a dairy farm employee at a checkoff-funding dairy.
Investing in future agriculture leaders is one way Dairy MAX supports dairy farm families and helps strengthen the future of the industry. The 2027 Dairy MAX Scholarship application will open in January 2027.
To see a full list of eligibility requirements and information about applying, visit DairyMAX.org/Dairy/Scholarships.
