New agribusiness scholarship launched to support students, build future workforce

Agriculture

Jul 8

Left to Right: Keira Vander Kolk, Brandon Barker, Logan Anderson.jpg
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

A new scholarship program from the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council has awarded its first three recipients. Logan Anderson of Sparta, Brandon Barker of Holland, and Keira VanderKolk of Hudsonville each received $1,000 to support their education in agriculture and related fields. The scholarship was created to invest in the next generation of agribusiness leaders and address ongoing workforce needs across the region.

“These students represent the future of agribusiness,” said Carol Distel, Agribusiness Talent Council lead, West Michigan Works!. “Their passion, experience, and vision reflect exactly what our industry needs and we’re proud to support them as they take the next step in their education.”

Logan Anderson is a graduate of Algoma Christian School who plans to pursue an associate degree at Montcalm Community College before transferring to Michigan State University to study agribusiness. Anderson is committed to continuing his family’s century-old tradition at AB Orchards.

“Through a college degree in agribusiness, I can use practical business skills to run the farm successfully," Anderson said. "Although it is important to know how to grow things, it's just as crucial to understand the principles of economics, accounting and marketing."

Brandon Barker is currently pursuing a degree in Agribusiness Management at Michigan State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. With a background in excavation and hobby farming, Barker hopes to become a consultant while continuing his farming operation.

"One of the most affirming experiences that solidified my pursuit of agribusiness actually took place outside the industry," Barker said. "From high school until just before starting college at Michigan State University, I worked in the excavating industry. My father owned a construction and land development business, where I developed a strong appreciation for land, equipment, and, eventually, project management during my time as a foreman. These elements are crucial to leading a successful agribusiness, and they reinforced my desire to apply my skills in agriculture."

Keira VanderKolk, a graduate of Hudsonville High School, will attend Iowa State University to study Animal Science with a focus on feed chemistry. VanderKolk’s goal is to become a Chemical Livestock Feed Analyst to improve livestock nutrition and efficiency.

“I have learned from being in 4H that certain feed combinations are more effective and better than others. I want to be able to develop and analyze feed to the chemical level. Some key elements of feed that I want to develop are protein efficiency and digestion health,” VanderKolk said. "I believe that if we start improving livestock feed, we can start to improve all of agriculture. Everything starts with the feed.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in agribusiness, reside in one of the seven counties served by West Michigan Works!—Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Ottawa—and be enrolled (or high school senior planning to enroll) in an agriculture-related degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university.

The Agribusiness Talent Council was established in 2018 to address workforce needs in West Michigan’s agribusiness sector. Comprising employers and community partners, the council aims to attract talent, promote the industry, and offer training and resources to businesses across the seven-county region. For more information about the Agribusiness Talent Council and future scholarship opportunities, contact Carol Distel at cdistel@westmiworks.org.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners