Horizon Organic announced four student recipients of 2010 Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program scholarships. Each recipient will receive $2,500 towards their education, encouraging them to enter the field of organic agriculture. Horizon Organic is the first and only national organic dairy brand to have a scholarship program designed to build the next generation of organic dairy leaders.

The scholarship recipients are chosen annually by prominent members of the organic and agricultural communities. The 2010 scholarship review committee includes: Jerry Brunetti, founder of Agri-Dynamics and leading authority on soil and animal health; Tracy Favre, senior director of contract services at Holistic Management International; Dr. Alan Greene, clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine; Dr. Hue Karreman, VMD, veterinarian and expert in organic dairy health care; Jylle Lardaro, group content director, New Hope Natural Media; Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation; and Glenda Yoder, associate director, Farm Aid.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:
* Colton Brodt, Ferndale, California. A four-time recipient of the HOPE Scholarship, Brodt will be a senior this fall at Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, finishing up his degree in agricultural business with a minor in dairy science. His grandfather, Jim Walker, is the owner of Walker Dairy in Ferndale, California. Last fall, Brodt spent part of the semester in Australia, learning about biodynamic agriculture. “I see it as an opportunity for organic dairymen to get more out of their soils,” says Brodt. “As my college career comes to an end, I find myself looking more at the big picture of organic dairying and the policies that shape the industry. Organic milk consumers need to be continually informed about the benefits of organic milk for their family, themselves, and also their environment in which we all live. This big picture is something I want to be a part of.” Dr. Alan Greene noted of Brodt, “He’s such a passionate guy who's going to go a long way. He’s worked so hard and is very deserving.”

• Leanne DeJong, Bonanza, Oregon. Daughter of Arie and Jenneke DeJong, DeJong plans to attend Oregon State University and pursue a degree in agricultural business management. Growing up on an organic dairy since she was 9, DeJong says now, “Organic will always be in my field of work because I believe in it and I recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in our society.” After reviewing DeJong’s scholarship essay, Bob Scowcroft, of the Organic Farming Research Foundation noted, “I especially liked how DeJong made the connection from what her cows eat to her own lifestyle and food choices.”

• Michael Fagundes, Merced, California. Son of Ralph and Vicki Fagundes, Fagundes is currently attending California State University, Fresno, majoring in animal science – dairy, and plans to go on to law school after graduation. “I am preparing for a career in which I can take the necessary action needed to protect and further organic agriculture,” says Fagundes. When speaking of Fagundes’ dedication to organic dairy farming, Tracy Favre of Holistic Management International said, “Organic agriculture needs advocates with practical backgrounds like his.”

• Marjorie Hardy, Farmington, Maine. Daughter of Henry and Teresa Hardy, Hardy is seeking a degree in animal science – dairy at the University of Connecticut, and plans to use her education to learn the best ways to prevent illnesses in cows in order to educate consumers and organic producers. “Marjorie has a wonderful commitment to both organic dairying and communication,” said Glenda Yoder, associate director of Farm Aid.

—From Horizon news release