By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Madison Ainsley of Medina County Farm Bureau is the recipient of the 2020 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award.
The $20,000 scholarship is presented annually to a deserving student in honor of former TFB President S.M. True Jr.
“President True was an outstanding leader who inspired many. He was devoted to agriculture and to serving others,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “This scholarship recognizes students who share a similar dedication to agriculture and leadership. The passion Madison displays is fitting of a scholarship in President True’s name. We’re proud to honor her with this award.”
After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, Ainsley is now enrolled at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to pursue a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine.
Ainsley was born and raised in Hondo, where her family has raised sheep and show lambs for more than 25 years. She said agriculture has always been a big part of her life.
“Growing up in a rural community on a family farm has inspired me to pursue a career that focuses on the sustainability of livestock production through medicine, nutrition and reproduction,” she said. “I am very blessed to be part of the agriculture industry and surrounded by hardworking individuals who live to serve their communities.”
Throughout her childhood, Ainsley was involved in sports, 4-H, FFA, raised sheep and market hogs and participated in rodeo events.
Her passion for veterinary medicine began when she was in kindergarten and grew throughout her high school and college years, during which time she worked at several veterinary practices.
“My parents like to tell the story of how the first word I could spell in kindergarten was veterinarian,” she said. “I know lots of kids say they want to be veterinarians when they grow up, but I obviously never grew out of it, because here I am all these years later still on the same track.”
During her time at Texas Tech, Ainsley held a student research assistant position and was a member of the meat and livestock judging teams. She graduated summa cum laude in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.
At Texas A&M, where she just completed her first year of vet school, Ainsley is involved in several organizations, including the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Business Management Association.
Ainsley hopes to be involved in a mixed animal veterinary practice after graduation where she can stay closely connected to the livestock industry, as well as treat companion animals and pets.
“Words can’t even explain how grateful I am to Texas Farm Bureau,” Ainsley said. “I’m truly humbled to be chosen as the recipient among five highly qualified and competitive individuals. I’m so thankful for TFB and their investment in Texas youth and agriculture, and one day I hope to give back as part of the great organization that has given me so much.”
Other finalists for the award were: Jadeyn Arthur of Crosby CFB, a junior at West Texas A&M University; M’Lynn Prewitt of Clay CFB, a junior at Tarleton State University; Taylor Schertz of Denton CFB, a senior at Texas Tech University; and Jordan Sustaire of Hopkins-Rains CFB, a junior at Tarleton State University.
Each runner-up will receive a scholarship valued at $1,000.
The True scholar award was established in 2014 by the TFB board of directors.
For more information on TFB scholarships, visit https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.