28 Future Agriculture Leaders Earn Prestigious WIA Scholarships
Women in Agribusiness (WIA) has announced the 28 students selected to receive its 2026 Student Scholarship, recognizing young women who are preparing for careers across the agriculture industry.
The scholarship program is designed to support future agricultural leaders by connecting them with educational resources, professional development opportunities, industry experts, and potential employers. Each recipient will receive a complimentary three-day pass to the 2026 Women in Agribusiness Summit, one of the leading events focused on advancing women in agriculture and agribusiness.
Through the scholarship, students will gain access to industry presentations, networking events, educational workshops, and mentorship opportunities. They will also participate in dedicated student breakfasts, lunches, special workshops, and Summit receptions that encourage professional growth and relationship-building.
The Women in Agribusiness Student Scholarship program is now in its 14th year and has become an important platform for supporting women entering the agriculture sector. Since its launch, the program has helped more than 450 students attend the Summit and has received over $1.4 million in sponsorship funding. These contributions have allowed hundreds of young women to explore career opportunities and build meaningful connections within the industry.
The 2026 scholarship selection process was highly competitive. Applicants were required to submit a resume, complete a detailed application, and provide a personal statement outlining their career goals and their interest in agriculture. More than 50 applications were reviewed before the final group of recipients was selected.
The scholarships were made possible through support from numerous agriculture and agribusiness organizations. Sponsors included AgReserves, Land O'Lakes, Ardent Mills, Manulife Investment Management, Bunge, Nuveen Natural Capital, Cargill, RFDTV, CF Industries, Syngenta, CHS, Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, Curtis Food Recruiters, World Ag Expo, Farm Credit, U.S. Dairy Export Council, FMC, Wilbur-Ellis, and Genus.
The 2026 scholarship recipients represent a wide range of colleges and universities across North America and beyond. Their areas of study and career interests reflect the diversity of opportunities available within modern agriculture.
The selected students are:
The scholarship recipients will be honored during the 15th annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, scheduled for September 22-24 in New Orleans. The event brings together professionals from across the agricultural value chain, creating valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and career development.
Programs such as the WIA Student Scholarship play an important role in strengthening the future workforce of agriculture. By supporting talented students and providing access to industry leaders, the initiative helps encourage innovation, leadership, and long-term growth across the agricultural sector.
As agriculture continues to evolve, attracting and developing the next generation of professionals remains a priority. The 2026 scholarship recipients represent the passion, talent, and dedication that will help shape the future of the industry for years to come.
Photo Credit: Women in Agribusiness