Clark County College Student Receives Scholarship for Ag Advocacy

By Lura Roti

Madelyn Caulfield of Bradley was recognized by South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) for her agriculture advocacy efforts with the Social Media Rock Star award. Caulfield received this award while competing in the SDFU Farming for the Future agriculture advocacy scholarship contest.

"This was different from any other scholarship I have applied for," said South Dakota State University freshman. "It was a great way to advocate for agriculture and earn money to help pay for college."

The Farming for the Future agriculture advocacy scholarship competition is a seven-week competition where students, high school and above, have the opportunity to earn points and scholarship dollars by creating social media posts on a variety of agriculture topics. Scholarship winners were recognized during South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held in Huron Dec. 11 and 12.

A total of $15,000 in scholarship dollars were awarded to students.

More about Madelyn Caulfield

Growing up on her family's farm, Caulfield enjoys helping with her family's cow/calf herd and showing cattle together with her sisters. "I like to say we have a Skittles cattle, because my sisters and I each show a different breed so that we don't end up competing in the showring."

Caulfield's breed of choice is Shorthorn.

Passionate about her family's farm and agriculture as a whole, when she learned about the opportunity to advocate for agriculture and earn cash for college, Caulfield jumped right in.

"Agriculture makes our world run," Caulfield said. "I feel like not enough people realize that. When you get up in the morning, when you eat breakfast, when you fuel up your car - so much of what we depend upon comes from agriculture. Social media is a great way to get that message out there."

New to creating social media posts, Caulfield said she learned a lot about how to advocate as she created her weekly Farming for the Future contest post.

"I learned a lot about how to clear up consumer misconceptions through advocacy," Caulfield said.

Caulfield is currently a freshman at South Dakota State University pursuing animal science and political science degrees.

To learn more about Caulfield and how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support the next generation, visit www.sdfu.org.

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