Sheep industry scholarship opportunities

Never miss the latest news affecting Ohio agriculture. Subscribe to Digital Dale and follow along via Facebook and Twitter.

Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) and the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation in coordination with the Dr. Jack Judy Family has created the Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship Fund to support future sheep farmers through a memorial scholarship program. The Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship Fund is offering a minimum of one $1,500 scholarship to a deserving young person who is at least a second year undergraduate student pursuing an agricultural degree.

"We want to thank Dr. Jack Judy's family for making a major contribution to this scholarship fund, it is a tremendous tribute to the family's interest in the sheep industry and the family is very hopeful that this scholarship program will make a contribution to the sheep industry in Ohio" said Roger A. High, OSIA Executive Director.

To assist the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association in "growing" this Dr. Jack Judy Memorial Scholarship program, please send memorial contributions in the name of Dr. Jack Judy to Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, 280 N. High St., P.O. Box 182383, Columbus, OH 43218. The family of Dr. Judy, who passed away in April 2015, has established a memorial scholarship in his name to be administered through The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation.

According to his niece Jennifer Walker, the family has agreed to award the annual scholarship to a second-year college student who is either a member, or have parents who are members, of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association.

"The student doesn't have to attend an Ohio school," Walker said. "But he or she must be a resident of Ohio and be a member, or have parents who are members, of the association."

Interested and qualified students can apply online at ofbf.org/foundation through June 30. Walker said finalists will be interviewed by a selection committee comprised of Walker and members of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association during the Ohio State Fair. This year interviews will take place July 30 and the winner will be announced July 31.

"Preference is given to (agriculture) majors but it is not a necessity," Walker said.

Judy was a member of the Ohio State University Department of Animal Science until his retirement in 1984. For 33 years he specialized in the study and teaching of sheep production and management. He had the title of Professor Emeritus when he left OSU. He was inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in 1985.

Always passionate about his students and their course of study, Judy was a faithful supporter of the Ralph Grimshaw scholarship, awarded through the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. Grimshaw, who was chairman of the sheep department at the State Fair, and Judy were close friends, according to Mark Judy, Jack's brother.

Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship Program

OSIA is again sponsoring the Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship to support future sheep farmers through its scholarship program. OSIA is offering a minimum of one $1,000 scholarship to deserving students that have graduated from high school and college students pursuing college degrees. Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in agriculture.

"The Ohio sheep industry depends on young people who are considering and pursuing a career that will be beneficial to the Ohio and United States sheep industry," said Roger A. High, OSIA Executive Director.

Applicants or their parents must be members of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and a 2016 graduating high school senior enrolled in, or a student currently attending a college or technical school. Completed applications and essays must be postmarked by June 30, 2016.

Visit www.ohiosheep.org after May 15, 2016 for more information and to download an application.

Source: Sheep industry scholarship opportunities