By Julie Tomascik
Editor

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

Bethany Martinek of Grayson County is this year’s recipient of the 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.

“Like former President True, Bethany shares a passion for agriculture and for continually learning. We’re proud to honor her with this award,” TFB President Russell Boening said.

Martinek is a junior pursuing a degree in plant, soil and environmental science.

She grew up on her family’s farm in Gunter, and that’s where her passion for agriculture began.

“Farm Bureau has provided me with a lot of opportunities, and I’m extremely thankful to receive this scholarship,” Martinek said. “Texas Farm Bureau’s mission is to be the Voice of Texas Agriculture. I believe my foundation and future in agriculture supports this mission. I know that agriculture and youth programs, including those with Texas Farm Bureau, have played an integral part in helping me grow into a young, confident woman who wants to help move agriculture forward.”

While in college, she has worked as a research assistant for Texas A&M AgriLife Research Crop Physiology where she helps prepare and collect data on current research projects. This summer, she will be interning with a crop consulting company to gain more experience in the agronomy field.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Martinek plans to pursue a career as a crop consultant or as an agriculture and natural resources agent for AgriLife Extension.

“Growing up on my family’s farm, I know that pursuing a career in agriculture is what I was made to do. This scholarship, and the doors it opens, will help me be successful in life,” Martinek said.

She is also involved with the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at West Texas A&M University and has attended TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher Spring Conference.

Martinek wants to take what she’s learned to make a positive impact on agriculture and inspire other young women to pursue careers in agronomy.

“I want to be impactful in what I do—helping share positive stories about agriculture, helping farmers be successful,” she said. “I want to positively impact my future profession, my community and agriculture.”

Other finalists for the scholarship were:

  • Leroy Stavinoha III, Colorado County
  • Luke Bludau, Lavaca County
  • Tessa Barrett, Hale County
  • Reed Thorn, Smith County

The TFB board of directors established the S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award in 2014.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student 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 and maintain a satisfactory grade point average.

View the list of all the 2022 scholarship winners at texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.