Twenty-three students in central and southern Illinois have been selected as 2008 “We Understand” Agriculture Scholarship recipients. Each receives a $750 scholarship funded by Farm Credit Services of Illinois.

Levi Allen, of Homer ( Champaign County ), is the son of James and Crystal Allen. He will major in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois . At Heritage High School , Levi served as president of the FFA chapter and captain of the basketball team. He was named an Illinois State Scholar, was active with church youth group, and worked three years as a lawn care technician with Chris’ Lawn Service & Water Gardens in Homer. Levi’s career aspiration is to work as an engineer designing engines.

Dustin Aylesworth, of Mount Pulaski ( Logan County ), is the son of Richard and Deborah Aylesworth. He is majoring in animal sciences at the University of Illinois . Dustin served as president of both the Mount Pulaski FFA chapter and his local 4-H club and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He has worked part-time with Bo-Jac Seed Company and enjoys raising and showing beef cattle and swine. His career interests include working as an animal nutritionist or a U.S.D.A. meat inspector.

Jason Barker, of Shelbyville ( Shelby County ), is majoring in agriculture production and management at Lake Land College . He is he son of Chris and Beth Barker. At Shelbyville High School , Jason graduated class valedictorian, played varsity basketball and tennis, and was named an Illinois State Scholar. He served as vice president of the FFA chapter and earned the State FFA degree. Jason was a two-year president of the John Jordan Jaybirds 4-H Club. He has operated his own lawn mowing business since 1999 and worked at Gordon Price Auction Service for five years. His careeer interests include returning to the family farm and working in farm management or agriculture finance.

Justin Beitz, of Stewardson ( Shelby County ), is the son of Larry and Carolyn Beitz. He is an agriculture business major at the University of Illinois . Justin’s FFA experiences include serving as president of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA chapter and vice president of Section 20 FFA.  He earned the State FFA Degree and the State FFA Agri-Entreprenuership Award and was a member of the National FFA Band. He served as president of the Prairie Schooners 4-H Club and was involved with his church youth group. Justin owns and operates strawberry production and lawn mowing businesses. His career aspiration is to be a university agriculture professor

Shea Bramlet, of Harrisburg ( Pope County ), is the daughter of David and Pamela Bramlet. She will be majoring in pre-veterinary medicine at Murray State University . At Pope County High School , Shea served as president of both the FFA chapter and National Honor Society and was editor of the school yearbook. She was named an Illinois State Scholar and was active with Saline County 4-H and her church youth group. Shea enjoys raising and showing Simmental beef cattle and hopes to maintain her involvement with Simmental cattle and ultimately work as a veterinarian.

Hayley Bunselmeyer, of Decatur ( Macon County ), is the daughter of Bob and Sue Bunselmeyer. She will be majoring in crop sciences at the University of Illinois . At Maroa-Forsyth High School , Hayley served as president of the FFA chapter, earned the State FFA Degree, and was named an Illinois State Scholar. As a 4-H member, she was president of the Maroa Livestock 4-H Club, was named a National 4-H Congress delegate, and served on the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team and the Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee. Hayley’s future aspirations include earning a graduate degree and working as a crop scientist.

Jeffrey Carls, of Beardstown ( Cass County ), is the son of Susan and Steve Carls. He is studying technical systems management at the University of Illinois . At Triopia High School , Jeffrey graduated class valedictorian and was captain of the golf team. He served as president of the Indian Creek 4-H Club and worked at Fairway Hills Golf Course the past six years. His career aspiration is to return to his family’s farm after college to work in production agriculture.

Ross Dambacher, of Virginia ( Cass County ), is the son of James and Therese Dambacher. He is majoring in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois . At Virginia High School , Ross served as president of the FFA chapter, the National Honor Society, and the Business Club. He was also captain of the football and scholastic bowl teams. Ross was president of his local 4-H club and was active with his church youth group. He worked on his family’s grain and livestock farm his entire life and plans to pursue a career as a farm machinery designer.

Ryan DeWerff, of Nokomis ( Montgomery County ), is the son of David and Karol DeWerff. He is majoring in crop sciences at the University of Illinois . At Nokomis High School , Ryan was named an Illinois State Scholar and was a member of the FFA chapter, the football team, and National Honor Society. He was also a nine-year 4-H member and was active with his church youth group. Ryan’s career interests include working as a seed technologist or crop production consultant. He ultimately hopes to return to work with his family’s grain farm business.

Kaitlan Dinges, of Waterloo ( Monroe County ), is the daughter of Brad and Nancy Dinges. She is majoring in agriculture education at Murray State University . An active member of Waterloo High School ’s FFA chapter, Kaitlan served as chapter vice president and earned the State FFA Degree. She is a 13-year member of Girl Scouts and volunteered with the local Big Brother Big Sister program and the U.S. Navy Seabees Recruitment. Her career aspiration is to become a high school agriculture teacher and FFA adviser.

Allycia Drummond, of Belleville (St. Clair County), is the daughter of Angella Drummond. She is majoring in biology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. At Belleville West High School , Allycia was an editor of the school newspaper, a member of National Honor Society, and sang in the choir. She served as a volunteer with the Belleville Humane Society and the Violence Prevention Center . Allycia worked at the Belleville Swimming Pool and the Nichols Community Center and hopes to ultimately pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and have a career as a large animal veterinarian.

Brian Fehrenbacher, of Dieterich ( Jasper County ), is the son of Michael and Kathleen Fehrenbacher. He is majoring in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois . At Newton Community High School , Brian was a member of FFA, the National Honor Society, the football and math teams, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is an 11-year member of 4-H and served as president of his 4-H club. Brian plans to pursue a career as a farm machinery designer.

Sadie Geiger, of Alhambra ( Madison County ), is the daughter of Steve and Dena Geiger. She will be majoring in crop sciences at the University of Illinois . At Highland High School , Sadie was active with FFA, National Honor Society, and the school mentoring program. She was a 10-year member and 3-year president of the Grant Prairie 4-H Club. Already with work experience at Rural King Farm and Home Store and at Syngeta Seeds, Sadie intends to pursue a career in agronomy.

Nicole Haarman, of Effingham ( Effingham County ), is the daughter of Tom and Janet Haarmann. She studies animal science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Niki is a 10-year member of 4-H; she served as president of her club, was a member of the Regional Youth Leadership Team, and was recognized as a National 4-H Congress delegate. At Saint Anthony High School , Niki was president of the Spanish Club, vice president of Student Council, and the move valuable player of the softball team. She hopes to one day work as a small and large animal veterinarian.

Kathryn Hatfield, of Wayne City ( Wayne County ), is the daughter of Richard and Paula Hatfield and is majoring in animal science at Rend Lake College . At Wayne City High School , Katie was president of the FFA chapter, earned a State FFA degree, and was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was a 10-year member of the Wayne City 4-H Club where she served as president and participated in many livestock judging and exhibiting activities. Katie’s career aspirations include operating her own cattle farm.

Brady Kramer, of Farina ( Fayette County ), is the son of Keith and Denise Kramer. He is an agriculture production and management major at Lake Land College . At South Central High School , Brady served as FFA chapter president and was a member of the National Honor Society. He is a 10-year member of the Golden Harvestor 4-H Club where he served as president. Brady enjoys raising and showing registered Angus cattle and his career aspiration is to return to the family grain and beef farm and work in production agriculture.

Whitney Massey, of Arthur ( Moultrie County ), is the daughter of Greg and Mary Beth Massey. She is majoring in crop sciences at the University of Illinois .  At Arthur High School , Whitney served as president of the FFA chapter and captain of the scholastic bowl team and was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was a 4-H club member and junior leader and has volunteered at her church and with Habitat for Humanity and the Shelby County Senior Center . Whitney’s career aspiration is to work as a crop scientist and plant breeder. 

Brian Pfeiffer, of Dawson ( Sangamon County ), is the son of Roger and Melissa Pfeiffer. He is majoring in agronomy at Iowa State University . At Tri-City High School , Brian graduated class valedictorian, was president of the Student Council, captain of the basketball and scholastic bowl teams, and was named an Illinois State Scholar. Brian’s goals include earning a graduate degree in agronomy or molecular biology and then working as a bio-technician with a seed company.

Ross Recker, of Venedy ( Washington County ), is the son of Ronald and Glenda Recker. He is majoring in crop agribusiness at the University of Illinois . At Okawville High School , Ross graduated class valedictorian, was named an Illinois State Scholar, and served as president of the FFA chapter. He was also involved with 4-H, Extension Council, and his church youth group. Ross’ is interested in working as a crop production consultant or sales representative. He also hopes to participate in his family’s farming operation.

Brandyn Snider, of Fieldon ( Jersey County ), is the son of Roger and Lisa Snider. He is majoring in biology at McKendree University . At Jersey Community High School , Brandyn was a member of the National Honor Society and played varsity baseball and football. He was a member of the FFA chapter and enjoyed working on his family’s grain farm. Brandyn plans to pursue a career in the biological and environmental sciences.

Tyler Walk, of Neoga ( Cumberland County ), is the son of Roger and Karen Walk. He is majoring in agriculture production and management at Lake Land College . At Neoga High School , Tyler served as president of the FFA chapter, earned the State FFA Degree, and was on the basketball team. He is a 10-year member of 4‑H, is serving as the Cumberland County Pork Ambassador, and is active with his church youth group. Tyler enjoys working on his family’s grain and livestock farm and has career aspirations of joining the family farming business and working in production agriculture.

Anthony Wilken, of Ashkum ( Iroquois County ), is the son of Lynn and Pam Wilken. A.J. is majoring in agricultural production and agri-business at Joliet Junior College . At Central High School , A.J. served as president of the FFA chapter, earned the State FFA Degree, and was inducted in the National Honor Society. He is a past president of the Ashkum Chargers 4-H Club and the St. John’s Youth Organization. A.J. operates a vermiculture business where he raises earthworms that are sold for fertilizer. His career aspiration is to join his family’s farming business and own and operate his own agri-business.

Amy Winter, of Carmi ( White County ), is the daughter of Dennis and Deanna Winter. She is majoring in landscape architecture at Purdue University . At Carmi-White County High School , Amy was a member of the FFA chapter and the Key Club and was named an Illinois State Scholar. She is a 13-year member of Girl Scouts and a 10-year member of 4-H and volunteered with the All Things Possible program. Amy worked on her family’s farm and will be pursuing a career in landscape architecture.

These 23 scholarship recipients were selected from more than 100 applicants based on a combination of academic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community organizations, and commitment level to an agricultural career. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must reside in one of the sixty southern Illinois counties served by Farm Credit Services of Illinois.

“We are proud to invest in young people who are interested in an agricultural career. Our industry needs today’s brightest youth to prepare to become tomorrow’s agricultural leaders,” says Dave Owens, Farm Credit Services of Illinois President & C.E.O. “Our scholarship program is one way to help promote the value of pursuing education and careers related to agriculture.”

Farm Credit Services of Illinois is a farmer owned and directed agriculture lending cooperative. With $2.2 billion of assets and 165 employees in 21 branch offices, they provide competitive and flexible farm financing and crop insurance expertise to 8,000 farmers, agribusinesses, and rural landowners in the southern 60 counties of Illinois . As a part of the U.S. Farm Credit System, the Farm Credit Services of Illinois association’s mission is to provide financial capital and financial services to agriculture and Rural America.