The Colvin Scholarship Fund, dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in agriculture, achieved a milestone in 2024 by awarding a record-breaking $100,000 in scholarships to 26 students. With increased scholarships presented, more students than ever are being empowered to pursue careers that advance the beef industry.  

Scholarship recipients are each actively pursuing a career in production agriculture, industry research or other agricultural endeavors. With their aspirations for success in the beef business, they are continuing the legacy of Certified Angus Beef’s (CAB) co-founder and longtime executive director, Louis “Mick” Colvin.  

Since its inception 25 years ago, the Colvin Scholarship Fund has provided 176 scholarships totaling $633,500 to deserving students. These future leaders exemplify a strong commitment and passion for the beef industry, making them worthy ambassadors of the brand.  

It’s inspiring to see students who truly embody what the Colvin Scholarship Fund stands for. They’re passionate, articulate and hardworking. We’re humbled to support them, and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make.” — Danielle Matter, CAB director of brand experience and educationThe top recipients in each category were awarded $7,500 with additional scholarships recognizing educational merit and community involvement for production agriculture, undergraduate and graduate students.   

Carsten Loseke, production agriculture recipient, says his early experiences shaped his career path. 

“During my senior year of high school, we were sent home because of COVID-19,” he says. “I planted most of our corn and soybeans between online calculus lectures.” 

Now, as he looks forward to taking on a leadership role in his family’s feedyard, Carsten emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement in production agriculture.  

“I believe that a broad and diverse cattle industry can generate more opportunities for small business and growth in rural communities. We still need people performing the daily tasks of production,” he says. “As I take on a career in the feedyard sector of the beef industry, I hope to encourage young people to be actively involved in production agriculture.” 

Lauren Lee, graduate-level winner, is pursuing a doctorate in animal science, with a focus on the role of beef in human health. Her goal is to work with academia, government agencies and each sector of the beef industry to produce the safest, most nutritious beef all while communicating its importance in the diet to consumers.  

Lee’s research is centered around improving meat consumption to support cognitive development and combat age-related muscle loss in the elderly. Her passion for bridging the gap between research and consumer education underscores the vital role of beef in a balanced diet.  

Ryan Heitschmidt, top undergraduate recipient, echoes Lauren’s commitment to the intersection of nutrition and beef production. 

“Beef is an excellent protein source, rich in essential nutrients that can be incorporated as part of a healthy diet,” Heitschmidt says. 

He aspires to lead research that will further highlight beef’s role in human nutrition and ensure consumers are well informed.  

Supporting the future 

This year’s success was made possible through funds raised at the 2023 CAB Annual Conference auction and golf outing. Top recipients from each category will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024 Annual Conference, where they will have an opportunity to network with brand partners and share their stories.  

The unwavering support continues to grow the impact of the Colvin Scholarship Fund, empowering the next generation of leaders in the beef industry.