Shelley Curry of Kennard, Texas, and Sydney Bowman-Schnug of Fort Lupton, Colo., have each received a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry. The scholarship recipients will be recognized during CattleCon 2026, Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tenn.

Curry is a fourth-generation rancher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, studying how heat stress affects livestock performance, welfare and product quality. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Texas A&M University. Her commitment to the beef industry is rooted in a lifetime of experience, academic training and professional development. Curry’s professional goal is to become an independent researcher and educator dedicated to advancing the beef industry through innovative, science-based solutions.

“This scholarship will provide critical support to further my education and research and will allow me to share my findings at national scientific conferences, producer meetings and industry workshops,” Curry said. “Disseminating research in these forums not only advances scientific knowledge but also ensures that producers, students and consumers benefit from timely, research-based information.”

Bowman-Schnug is a Ph.D. candidate at Colorado State University, studying ruminant nutrition and effective management strategies to maximize performance while maintaining animal health. She completed her master’s program at Texas Tech University and is a third-generation Colorado cattle producer. Bowman-Schnug plans to pursue a career as a consulting feedlot nutritionist with a goal to incorporate classic feeding strategies with cutting-edge additive technologies in a way that complements cattle type.

“This scholarship is a blessing and will help me encourage the next generation of agricultural leaders in both youth and undergraduate teaching programs,” said Bowman-Schnug. “It will make a monumental difference in my pursuit to further the future of the cattle industry.”

The scholarship, established by NCF in 2007, honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr. Farr, a third-generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation. Farr was the first president of the NCF and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which later became the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.

The NCF advances the future of the beef industry by assisting in the education of the next generation of beef industry professionals. For more information about NCF and the W.D. Farr Scholarship, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association