By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist

A Texas Tech University student with a history of agricultural advocacy has been honored with Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) most prestigious scholarship.

Conner McKinzie of Stephenville 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.

“President True lived an inspiring life and had a passion for agriculture,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “This scholarship recognizes students who share a similar dedication to agriculture and leadership.”

McKinzie is a junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Animal Science.

Throughout his high school and college career, McKinzie has dedicated his time to serving agriculture in leadership roles. He served as the Texas FFA state first vice president and was also Texas’ national FFA officer candidate.

In addition to pursuing his degree, McKinzie has continued to represent agriculture, serving as the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources senator, an Ag Council representative and member of the American Meat Science Association.

McKinzie, an Erath County Farm Bureau member, also plans to run for student body president at Texas Tech before earning his doctorate in Meat Science.

Other finalists for the award were John Derry, a junior at Texas A&M University from Bandera County; Laney Mosley, a junior at Texas Tech University from Live Oak County; Mayson Schulze, a senior at Texas A&M University from Guadalupe County; and Blake Tatsch, a junior at Texas A&M University from Gillespie County.

The TFB board of directors established the True 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.

A list of TFB scholarships and youth opportunities can be found at https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.