A new Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) memorial scholarship honoring the late Jana Middleton is helping young agricultural leaders pursue their dreams—just as she would have wanted.

Middleton, a former TFB field representative in the Texas Panhandle, passed away in April 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. She spent 19 years with TFB, leaving a lasting mark on countless youth and members across the state. In her memory, TFB established the one-time Young Farmer & Rancher Jana Middleton Memorial Scholarship.

Five students received a $1,250 scholarship. An additional four students received a $1,000 scholarship add-on. The total awarded was $9,000, thanks to generous donations from Middleton’s family and friends and a contribution from TFB.

The recipients are:
• Peyton Schueler, District 2 – Parmer County
• Laine Mulcock, District 2 – Hale County
• Cooper Smith, District 3 – Wichita County
• Kolt Bennett, District 3 – Clay County
• Kinley Medlin, District 6 – Gaines County
• Korbin Schmidt, District 6 – Dawson County
• Kaelynn Hoelscher, District 7 – Brown County
• Riley Morton, District 7 – Brown County

“Jana loved TFB youth programs,” said Bryce Moore, TFB Director of Field Operations. “She had a passion for encouraging kids, especially the shy ones. Jana worked hard to make sure students felt welcome and wanted at our events.”

Middleton was instrumental in youth programs like the Student Success Series, helping young students grow in agriculture and leadership. And her influence extended well beyond the events themselves.

“She was great about building relationships,” Moore said. “She stayed connected with several students she met at TFB youth events through college and into adulthood. Many students who came through TFB youth programs can point back to Jana’s encouragement and support as a pivotal point in their lives.”

Her dedication to serving members and uplifting students was admired by many.

“She was a great encourager,” said Mark True, TFB District 2 state director. “She was always a fan of everyone and truly wanted everyone to be able to benefit and grow from these leadership experiences.”

True noted that Middleton truly knew her members and their communities.

“I can’t imagine how many people Jana knew personally and on a very, very close basis,” he said. “She truly knew the people in the county. She was very active within the schools, within our county Extension offices. She was always looking for the next opportunity to introduce some of these young people to a subject or an experience that we all knew, ultimately, would make these kids into more well-rounded, prepared individuals.”

Middleton embodied the spirit of Texas Farm Bureau.

“There is not anyone more deserving than Jana for this recognition,” said Walt Hagood, former TFB District 2 state director. “Her commitment to Texas Farm Bureau, her passion for agriculture, her love for the members—she was just a dedicated employee. She loved students. She loved the Student Success Series.”

Her hard work and commitment to TFB and members will be long remembered.

“Anything to do with the organization, she was involved in it,” Hagood said. “She had a real heart for young people. Jana was active in her counties and excelled at her job.”

Her legacy lives on through the students whose lives she touched.

View the scholarship winners at texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.