YQCA awards $30K in scholarships to youth livestock leaders

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is committed to empowering youth in the livestock industry and giving back to the next generation. It is this dedication that led to the establishment of the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship Program and allowed the organization to honor its inaugural recipients. With over 200 applicants in 2025, YQCA has awarded seven students with $30,000 in scholarships.

“Investing in youth is key to the future of the livestock industry,” said Dinah Peebles, Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Executive Board President. “The YQCA scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting young people in their educational endeavors. We are proud to invest in these seven students and have them represent our organization.”

The 2025 scholarship recipients were awarded funds to support their continuing education. Scholarships were granted based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in the livestock industry.

• Brendy Puckett of Modesto, California was awarded $10,000 and will attend Modesto Junior College in Modesto, California.
• Ansley Bo of St. Cloud, Florida was awarded $5,000 and will attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
• Elliott Small of Watertown, Wisconsin was awarded $5,000 and will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
• Amy Jentges of Washington, Wisconsin was awarded $2,500 and will attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, Wisconsin.
• Kylee Pfeifer of Ellis, Kansas was awarded $2,500 and will attend Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.
• Ally Rietcheck of Gardner, Kansas was awarded $2,500 and will attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
• Wyatt Stowell of Fox Lake, Wisconsin was awarded $2,500 and will attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, Wisconsin.

“The students being recognized exemplify the values of the livestock industry and the core skills YQCA promotes in youth exhibitors,” said Peebles. “The knowledge, dedication, and passion of each individual will positively impact the industry, and we are proud to support their future successes.”

A total of 228 scholarship applications underwent an in-depth judging process. To be eligible for the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship, students must be a high school senior or a high school graduate up to 21 years of age, have an active YQCA certification at the time of application, and have had an active YQCA certification the previous two years.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is a national multi-species quality assurance program whose mission is to educate and empower youth in the livestock industry by instilling essential knowledge about animal welfare, food safety, and industry best practices.