South Dakota Farm Bureau has selected eight students to receive scholarships in support of their education. 

Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors or current college students who intend to enroll in a post-secondary institution for 2026-27. Applicants were considered for an agriculture-focused or community-focused scholarship, depending on their major and experience with agriculture.

“South Dakota Farm Bureau is proud to recognize young people that have a passion for agriculture and their rural communities,” said Krystil Smit, SDFB Chief Executive Officer. “It is our privilege to support these students in their educational pursuits, and we wish them continued success.”

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Richard and Agnes Ekstrum of Kimball, SD. Richard served as South Dakota Farm Bureau's president from 1975-1995.


2026 SDFB Agriculture Focus Scholarship Winners:

Luke Guthmiller of Scotland, SD is a graduate of Bon Homme High School. He will attend South Dakota State University, majoring in Agricultural Business.Austan Kjerstad of Wall, SD is a graduate of Wall High School. He plans to attend South Dakota State University to pursue a major in Agricultural Business. 


2026 SDFB Community Focus Scholarship Winners:

Addyson Baruth from Alpena, SD is a graduate of Woonsocket High School. She plans to pursue a degree in Psychology and Special Education at Northern State University.
Katelyn Gebhart of Meadow, SD, is a graduate of Lemmon High School. She plans to study Nursing at South Dakota State University.
Reagan Koskan from Keystone, SD completed his homeschool education and will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Dordt University.
Dagen Mutchler of Whitewood, SD graduated from Spearfish High School. She will attend South Dakota State University, majoring in Nursing.
Louis Rancour of Wasta, SD attends South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, pursuing a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He is a 2025 graduate of Wall High School.
Ella Vandersnick from Willow Lake, SD is a graduate of Willow Lake High School. She plans to study Early Childhood Education at South Dakota State University.