Future of Animal Ag Scholarship

Applications for our 2027 scholarship will open on August 17

Innovation in animal agriculture is hard. New technologies have the potential to make our food supply more abundant and efficient, but between the underlying biological complexities and high capital costs, it’s difficult to discover and spread transformative ideas. We need visionaries who can rise to the challenge.

The Future of Animal Ag Scholarship* was established to recognize and support the next generation of leaders bringing new ideas to animal agriculture.

Up to four undergraduate students will receive $3,000 to support their studies. Applicants should be pursuing a career in poultry or swine production and demonstrate an interest in technological innovation within their field.

*Formerly the IAA Poultry & Aquaculture Innovation Scholarship

2026 Award Recipients

Westen Vardeman

Texas A&M (‘27)

Westen Vardeman is a third year student at Texas A&M university studying Poultry Science. He grew up on his family’s cow/calf operation in East Texas, and describes himself as a “third generation poultry lifer”. Growing up, he was involved in FFA at an early age, participating in leadership events and the Poultry Judging Team. He has worked for Tyson Foods, conducted poultry nutritional research for Texas A&M, and worked on large cattle operations. In summer 2026 he traveled to Australia to work on a feedlot and learn about cattle nutrition and feeding. He is an outdoorsy person who enjoys all things related to roping, fishing, and hunting. After he graduates, he plans to pursue a PhD in animal nutrition at either Texas Tech or Texas A&M.

Shayenn Votaw

NCSU (‘27)

Shayenn Votaw is a student at North Carolina State University pursuing a degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology with a minor in Animal Science. Raised on family-operated swine farms in southeastern North Carolina, she developed a strong foundation in animal agriculture and a deep appreciation for the dedication required to care for livestock.

Through hands-on farm experience and undergraduate research with the USDA-NIFA funded Proactive Pig Production (P3) project, she has combined her background in production agriculture with her interest in engineering and emerging technologies. After graduation, Shayenn plans to pursue a career focused on precision livestock farming and the integration of advanced technologies to improve animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and production efficiency. She is passionate about developing innovative solutions that support producers while strengthening the future of animal agriculture.

Jaehyoung Park

Cornell University (‘28)

Jaehyoung Park is a sophomore at Cornell CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), majoring in Biological Sciences. Jaehyoung is passionate about fish—from ecology and biology to fish’s economic and cultural values. One of his primary interests is aquaculture, which he sees as a viable, sustainable, and eco-friendly form of food/protein production. Similar to many agricultural practices, he is interested in integrating technology with aquaculture to improve the efficiency and quality of fish health and production. Jaehyoung’s biology major at Cornell focuses on fish, and his CS minor teaches him how computer technologies can be applied to aquaculture. He maintains tilapia tanks and assists with aquaculture research at Won lab to gain real-life experience working in aquaculture settings. Moving forward, Jaehyoung hopes to pursue a graduate degree in aquaculture and further integrate technology into his fish expertise.

Application Details

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Graduating high school senior or a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a U.S. or Canada-based two- or four-year accredited institution for the 2027–2028 academic year

  • Pursuing a degree in Animal Science, Agricultural or Biosystems Engineering, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or a related field focused on advancing animal agriculture through innovation

  • Planning to work in animal agriculture after graduating

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their demonstrated interest and engagement with technology in animal husbandry. A strong applicant will:

  • Demonstrate a passion for learning about animal agriculture

  • Understand current animal production practices, and how these are changing with new technologies

  • Have hands-on experience working with livestock, especially poultry or swine

  • Hold opinions about how husbandry practices can be improved through new tools and methods

Required Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered:

  • Copy of the applicant’s most recent academic transcript

  • Short answer responses outlining the applicant’s interest in and experience with animal agriculture

Select candidates will be invited to interview with IAA before finalizing award decisions