Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships Awarded to Hillsdale Students

Four Hillsdale County students receive scholarships totaling $5,750 from the state program.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund has awarded multiple scholarships to students in Hillsdale County as part of the 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Four Hillsdale County students received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, while a student from Monroe County was awarded a $1,000 statewide scholarship.

Why it matters

The Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships program supports continued growth and opportunities for younger generations in the state's agricultural community, aligning with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's mission to improve quality of life for Michigan residents. The scholarships help provide financial assistance to students pursuing agricultural education and careers.

The details

The four Hillsdale County scholarship recipients are Joscelyn Layman ($2,000), Jack Thielen ($1,500), Sydney Fowler ($1,250), and Clara Heath ($1,000). Additionally, Zoe Stanger of Monroe County was awarded a $1,000 statewide scholarship. In total, the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships program disbursed $62,000 to 39 students across the state this year.

  • The 2025 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships were announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The players

Zoe Stanger

A student from Monroe County who was awarded a $1,000 statewide scholarship.

Joscelyn Layman

A Hillsdale County student who received a $2,000 scholarship.

Jack Thielen

A Hillsdale County student who received a $1,500 scholarship.

Sydney Fowler

A Hillsdale County student who received a $1,250 scholarship.

Clara Heath

A Hillsdale County student who received a $1,000 scholarship.

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What they’re saying

“The scholarship funding supports continued growth and opportunities for younger generations and aligns with the department's mission to improve quality of life for Michigan residents.”

— Tim Boring, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director (wlen.com)

What’s next

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to administer the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships program, providing financial assistance to students pursuing agricultural education and careers in the state.

The takeaway

The Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships program is making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the state's agricultural community, helping to cultivate the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders.