The National Cattlemen’s Foundation encourages college students pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.

Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.

"We are pleased to partner with the National Cattlemen's Foundation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association to continue our support of the CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship program," said CME Group's John Ricci, managing director and global head of agricultural products. "CME Group has played a role in agribusiness for the past 180 years, and we are honored to keep that tradition going by supporting the future leaders of this industry."

Eligible applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two- or four-year institution. The application process includes submitting a one-page letter expressing career goals related to the beef industry, a 750-word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem, and two letters of recommendation. The applicant or a family member must be a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 

The application deadline is Nov. 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Central. Scholarship winners will be announced during CattleCon 2026, Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tenn.

Organized in 1972, NCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing charitable, scientific and educational activities to benefit the cattle industry. 

Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association