At GENEX, supporting the future of agriculture means investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the industry for years to come. Through the GENEX for Generations Scholarship, we are proud to support students pursuing agricultural degrees while encouraging their passion for the industry.
This year, six students connected to GENEX cooperative member farms and ranches within the USA were selected to receive $1,000 scholarships. Each recipient represents the values that strengthen our cooperative and the agriculture industry: hard work, dedication and a commitment to giving back. From dairy production and veterinary medicine to advocacy and agricultural law, these students are already making an impact while preparing for meaningful careers that will help strengthen agriculture for generations to come.
Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients!
Hailey Zernicke
Hometown: Bonduel, Wisconsin
GENEX Member: Zernicke’s Landstad Dairy
Currently attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Hailey is majoring in Agricultural and Food Business Management and Animal Science. Growing up on her family’s fourth-generation dairy farm sparked her interest in herd management and reproduction. Beyond the farm, Hailey is active in her university’s Gopher Dairy Club, Agriculture Business Club and Beta of Clovia sorority. She also operates her own Boer goat herd and enjoys mentoring younger youth involved in livestock projects.
“Agriculture is more than just an industry to me. It is a lifestyle that has taught me valuable lessons that extend far past the farm. It has shown me the importance of adapting, learning and working together to ensure a strong future for agriculture,” Hailey shared. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building on her family’s dairy legacy while helping improve herd management and reproductive efficiency within the industry.
Jagger Collier
Hometown: Snyder, Texas
GENEX Member: T&K Dairy
Jagger plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Animal Science before returning to his family’s dairy farm. Whether helping in the dairy barn, working with crops or maintaining irrigation systems, he embraces every opportunity to learn more about the operation and the industry.
Jagger currently serves as vice president of his FFA chapter, president of his school’s Leader in Me program and is a member of the National Honors Society. Through these experiences, he has developed strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
“Agriculture is the backbone of America,” Jagger wrote in his application. “I believe the next generation of agriculturalists can help change the way people see us and become more appreciative of the hard life some people live.”
Kelsey Hardy
Hometown: Dodgeville, Wisconsin
GENEX Member: Pine Valley Farm
Kelsey’s agricultural journey began with a passion for showing dairy cattle. Over the past 10 years, she has cared for and exhibited Holsteins and Jerseys while building strong connections in the dairy industry. Now studying Dairy Science and pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kelsey plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after being inspired by the large animal veterinarians she worked alongside in high school.
Kelsey’s involvement in organizations such as the Association of Women in Agriculture and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association has strengthened both her leadership skills and passion for mentorship. Looking ahead, she hopes to remain active in agricultural organizations and continue supporting youth interested in the industry. “The importance of mentorship has been the biggest lesson I have learned in agriculture,” she explains. “It taught me the importance of listening with the intent to learn.”
Lily Marshman
Hometown: Oxford, New York
GENEX Member: Marshman Farms LLC
As a seventh-generation member of her family’s dairy farm, Lily is actively involved in calf care, herd management, genomic testing and breeding decisions. This fall, she plans to attend Cornell University majoring in Animal Science.
Through FFA, student government and her role as a Chenango County Dairy Ambassador, Lily discovered a passion for agricultural advocacy and policy. After researching and speaking about the Dairy Pride Act for an FFA speech competition, she traveled to Washington D.C., where she gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of advocating for agriculture.
Lily hopes to remain involved in her family’s dairy while pursuing a future in agricultural policy and advocacy. “The agriculture industry is my livelihood and passion,” she shares. “As my involvement in agriculture expands, I will continue to work hard and maintain the integrity that I learned growing up in the agriculture industry.”
Rachel Portner
Hometown: Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
GENEX Member: Port-Haven Dairy
Rachel is currently attending South Dakota State University majoring in Biology and Animal Science with plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm sparked interest in animal health and the role healthy livestock play in sustainable agriculture.
Her involvement in organizations such as Dairy Club, Pre-Veterinary Club, FFA and 4-H has helped shape both her leadership and career goals. Rachel is currently gaining additional experience through internships, research projects and veterinary shadowing opportunities.
“To me, agriculture is a community of people working together with the land and animals,” Rachel explains. “I have learned a lot about the value of hard work, patience and communication through my agricultural involvement. These experiences have helped me grow and are all things I will carry with me into my future.”
Reese Ellen Graft
Hometown: Americus, Georgia
GENEX Member: Leatherbrook Holsteins, LLC
Reese plans to attend the University of Georgia to study Agribusiness and Agricultural and Applied Economics before pursuing law school to become an agricultural lawyer. Her goal is to advocate for farmers facing legal and regulatory challenges.
Throughout high school, Reese demonstrated strong leadership through numerous organizations and activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student government, yearbook and community service organizations. She also participated in Student Leadership University programs focused on faith-based leadership development.
Growing up on a dairy farm and witnessing her family navigate agricultural legal challenges inspired Reese’s desire to advocate for farmers. “My goal is to advocate for farmers who may not have the resources or knowledge to navigate complex legal challenges,” she says. “It is my hope to help ensure hardworking farm families can continue their legacy for generations to come.”
Interested in applying for our scholarship?
The next application period will open in January 2027. Watch the GENEX Journal, the cooperative’s Member Minute newsletter or our GENEX Beef USA and GENEX Dairy USA social media channels for the 2027 application.