NC Awards $67K in Livestock Scholarships to 33 Students

Thirty-three North Carolina students just received scholarships worth up to $2,500 each, funded entirely by fellow community members who bought livestock at the State Fair.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the 2026 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarships, awarding 32 scholarships of $2,000 and one $2,500 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit Associations. The program has now awarded $677,500 since launching in 2015.

The scholarships go to high school seniors and college students who participated in junior livestock or market turkey shows at the State Fair. Recipients include Logan Ballance and Ross Hinnant from Wilson County, Emma Britt from Edgecombe County, and Charlotte Wood from Johnston County, who received the $2,500 Farm Credit scholarship.

Strong participation in the 2025 State Fair Sale of Champions made this year's awards possible. Every dollar comes from a percentage of sales when community members bid on livestock that students raised and showed.

"This scholarship program continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders and advocates," Troxler said. He praised recipients for understanding where food comes from through their hands-on livestock experience.

A selection committee reviewed applications blind, with all identifying information removed. They evaluated State Fair involvement, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and essays.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than help with tuition. They reward students who spent months caring for animals, learning responsibility, and connecting with agriculture. The funding model creates a beautiful cycle: community members support young farmers by purchasing their livestock, which directly funds the next generation's education.

Students are heading to N.C. State University, University of Mount Olive, Iowa State University, and other colleges. Many plan to pursue careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and related fields.

The program proves that investing in youth pays forward. Every auction bid at the State Fair becomes a scholarship dollar, and every scholarship recipient becomes an agricultural advocate equipped to feed future generations.

Congratulations to all 33 recipients building careers that will sustain North Carolina's agricultural heritage.

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