The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund (MYLSF) awards.

“Scholarship funding encourages continued growth and opportunities for younger generations,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD's mission is to improve quality of life for Michiganders and supporting the future of our industry is another tangible way we work toward that goal.”

Since 2000, the MYLSF has awarded $916,055 in scholarships and educational awards to outstanding youth who have exhibited at premier livestock events in Michigan. In 2025, the fund disbursed $62,000 of scholarships to 39 Michigan students, including eight from West Michigan. Here are the recipients

• $3,000 scholarship – Jadyn Herzog of Mecosta County
• $2,000 scholarship – London Eldridge of Montcalm County
• $1,250 scholarship – Lilly Seid of Mecosta County
• $1,000 scholarship – Colby Tucker of Allegan County
• $500 scholarship – Brooklyn Decker of Osceola County
• $500 scholarship – Erin Judge of Mecosta County
• $500 scholarship – Mckenna Modreske of Allegan County
• $500 state-wide scholarship – Celina Eldridge of Montcalm County

The MYLSF scholarships are funded by proceeds from the annual Michigan Livestock Expo “Sale-Abration” auction as well as charitable donations. The fund is governed by an 11 member board comprised of volunteers from Michigan’s agricultural community.

In addition to the awards above, approximately $14,000 of “Sale-Abration” proceeds were deposited into the Michigan Education Saving Plans for youth exhibitors who compete in judging and showmanship events at the Michigan Livestock Expo on the Michigan State University campus. 

_{Release courtesy of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.}