By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

A Texas A&M University student with a passion for agriculture received Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) most prestigious scholarship.

Luke Bludau of Lavaca County is the recipient of the 2024 S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award. The $25,000 scholarship is presented annually to a deserving student in honor of former TFB President S.M. True Jr.

“President True’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to agriculture, farmers, ranchers and rural communities. This scholarship recognizes students who share a similar dedication to agriculture and leadership,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Each year, we are impressed by the caliber of students who apply, and this year is no different. We wish Luke Bludau, and all the students who applied, the best in their future endeavors.”

Bludau is a junior at Texas A&M University majoring in biological and agricultural engineering, specializing in bioprocess and food engineering.

He grew up as a fifth-generation cattle rancher in Hallettsville.

“At an early age, I became active in agriculture through 4-H, FFA and working on my family’s ranch,” Bludau said. “A Houston Livestock Show Calf Scramble Certificate fueled my passion and helped me start my own cattle company.”

While in college, he has worked in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. Bludau is responsible for creating and conducting presentations to inform families about opportunities within the department and being a student ambassador. He works for the Memorial Student Center (MSC) as a multimedia designer and manages the MSC website.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Bludau plans to pursue a master’s degree in chemical engineering related to sustainable agriculture.

“My goals and passion are deeply rooted in making agriculture sustainable today and for the next generation,” Bludau said. “I aspire to develop innovative solutions to improve efficiencies, help achieve agriculture sustainability, provide biosecurity to our food and feed supply and better the lives of farmers and ranchers.”

Bludau is also involved with TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher program and recently competed in the Collegiate Discussion Meet.

Four other finalists for the award were:

  • J. Kendrick
  • Bryson Stone
  • Caden Carver
  • Reed Thorn

The finalists each earned a $5,000 scholarship.

The TFB board of directors established the S.M. True Jur. Agricultural Scholar Award in 2014 to recognize True’s commitment to agriculture.

True farmed with his wife, Anna Jean, in Hale County. They grew cotton, wheat, feed grains and raised cattle. True maintained a keen interest in farming and agricultural issues until his death in 2012.

True served as TFB president from 1982 to 1993. He had a passion for improving the lives of farmers and ranchers and believed Farm Bureau was the organization that best represented agriculture because of its grassroots orientation.

To be eligible for the scholarship, the students must have at least 60 hours of college credit and be enrolled in a four-year college or university. To receive the full amount, the recipient must continue to major in agriculture, maintain a satisfactory grade point average and maintain TFB membership for the duration of the scholarship.

To view the full list of 2024 scholarship recipients, visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.