By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Applications for a $25,000 scholarship celebrating the life and leadership of former TFB President S.M. True Jr., whose commitment to Texas agriculture continues to inspire future generations, are now open.

Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2026 S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award is the organization’s highest academic honor.

College students can apply through March 2.

“This award is a tribute to the late S.M. True Jr. and his lifelong devotion to agriculture. It reflects the very best of Farm Bureau values,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We’re proud to recognize a college student who shares that same passion and drive.”

The scholarship is awarded annually to one student who has completed at least 60 hours of college coursework and is enrolled at a four-year college or university. To receive the full award amount, the recipient must remain an agriculture major and maintain a strong academic record.

Students are encouraged to apply near the end of their sophomore year.

In addition to the top scholarship, four finalists will be selected and each will receive a $5,000 award.

“This scholarship honors S.M. True’s legacy and supports students who will help lead Texas agriculture into the future,” Boening said.

True and his wife, Anna Jean, farmed in Hale County, raising cattle and growing cotton, wheat and feed grains. Even after retiring, he remained engaged in agricultural issues until his passing in 2012.

True served as TFB president from 1982 to 1993 and championed Farm Bureau’s grassroots mission. The TFB board of directors established the scholarship in his name in 2014.

Previous recipients include:
2025: Savay Sexton
2024: Luke Bludau
2023: Bethany Martinek
2022: Clayton Elbel
2021: Riley Sloan
2020: Madison Ainsley
2019: Conner McKinzie
2018: MaKayla Arthur
2017: Shelbi Greaves
2016: McCalley Cunningham
2015: Lauren Thompson
2014: Kaylie Walker

Instructions for scholarship application
Scholarship eligibility requires TFB family membership for at least three consecutive years at the time of application.

Applicants must submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation—one from the applicant’s county Farm Bureau president and another from the dean or department head of their agricultural program.

The deadline to apply and submit completed application online is 11:59 p.m. on March 2, 2026.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships for scholarship details, instructions and a link to the application.

Additional scholarships for high school seniors, enrolled college students and students pursuing technical degrees are also available on the scholarship webpage.

Email youthactivities@txfb.org or call 254-399-5037 with questions.