The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Agricultural producers and their supporters filled the hall last week at the Cheyenne County’s Ag Social, one of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce’s most popular events each year.

Highlighting the event was the presentation of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Scholarships. Each year the Chamber presents two scholarships to deserving high school students who plan to further their education in agriculture. The scholarships, one for $1,000 and one for $500 are awarded by the Chamber’s Ag Committee.

To apply, students tell the Committee why they are pursuing a career in agriculture, and also their vision of the future of ag.

“We had a lot of excellent applications this year, and it was hard for the committee to decide,” Ag Social Chair Regina Narjes told those gathered.

The $1,000 scholarship winner, Ashlyn Sutton of Sidney, is the fifth generation of a farm family and as such, she said, “agriculture runs deep in my blood.”

Sutton’s interest lies in protecting the land, resources, animals and the overall beauty of the state. She plans to attend the University of Wyoming to learn more about the land and how to protect it, hoping to learn how to use different range management techniques to improve on the practices already in place in farming.

As for the future of ag, she sees a technological future in the United States. In her application she said protection of natural resources will be of utmost importance, and with more automated practices the land, crops and wildlife will thrive.

“I am excited to see the difference I can make in the industry with the knowledge I will gain from attending the University of Wyoming,” she wrote.

Leyton High School student David George, the $500 scholarship winner, has already shown himself a leader in ag cirrcles, as President of the Leyton FFA chapter.

Learning about agriculture from his grandfather, George is working toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding, building on the skills he is picking up in a dual credit welding course at Leyton. George wants to complete all the Applied Agriculture classes offered by Western Nebraska Community College and believes all of the program work will enhance opportunities to work in his family’s farming operation.

As for the future of agriculture, George recognizes the uncertainty involved. and, he also understands what it takes to make a good run at success.

“Important items to consider in making the future of farming profitable involve business involve business management skills as much as physical work,” George wrote.

In addition to the presentations, attendees were treated to drinks and a sandwich supper, along with a host of prize drawings ranging from a toy truck on up to meat packages sponsored by area businesses.