Texas Farm Bureau Awards $387K to 137 Students

Texas Farm Bureau just handed out $387,000 in scholarships to 137 students, opening doors to careers that will shape the future of agriculture across the Lone Star State.

The organization's 2026 scholarship program reached graduating high school seniors and current college students, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Miranda Skaggs of Brazos County took home the top prize, receiving $25,000 as the S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award winner.

"Farm Bureau's scholarship program exists to open doors, whether students are learning hands-on in a trade or pursuing academic goals in higher education," said Dr. Clarissa Darby, Texas Farm Bureau's Youth Outreach coordinator.

Eight veterinary students received substantial support, with four earning $20,000 scholarships each to help cover the costs of vet school. Four additional vet students each received $2,500, recognizing the critical need for rural veterinarians in Texas communities.

The program also awarded 70 Texan Success Scholarships worth $1,000 each through Texas State Technical College, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. These awards help students pursue hands-on technical training in agricultural fields.

High school seniors weren't left out. Thirteen graduating students received Young Farmer & Rancher scholarships of $1,500 each, while another 13 earned district memorial and honorary scholarships worth $5,000 each.

The Texas Farm Bureau also distributed $24,000 through its AgVentures Challenge, rewarding students who attended the organization's 2025 Thrive Conference with innovative agricultural business ideas.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than help individual students pay tuition. They're investing in the people who will grow Texas's food, care for livestock, and keep rural communities thriving for generations to come.

Many scholarship recipients come from farming families themselves, bringing firsthand knowledge of agriculture's challenges and opportunities. Others are first-generation college students discovering their passion for the land and animals.

The variety of awards reflects agriculture's diverse career paths, from veterinary medicine to agribusiness to technical trades. Texas Farm Bureau recognizes that feeding the future requires skilled workers at every level.

Additional funding went to students through partnerships with FCCLA, Texas 4-H, Texas FFA, and the Texas Rural Education Association.

These 137 students are proof that Texas agriculture has a bright future ahead.