Funding the next generation: Students pursue ag careers with PREEC scholarships 

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center recently awarded Gavin Bell, Jenalee Garwood, Hailey Joekel, and Emma Schneider each a $1,000 scholarship to any of the University of Nebraska campuses. 

Two of the scholarship awardees have been attending UNL and will be returning in the fall. Bell, from Alliance, will be a sophomore at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he is majoring in animal science and minoring in the Krutsinger Beef Scholars program. After earning his degree, Bell plans to return home to his grandparents’ cow-calf operation.

“This scholarship means so much to me as it allows me to have less stress in paying for college and gives me the opportunity to be more present with other things that I am involved in, such as the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council,” Bell said.

Garwood, from Cherry County, is studying agricultural education. Her plans are to work as an ag teacher and 4-H volunteer. 

“This scholarship is important to me because my values align with PREEC’s. I’m excited and dedicated to becoming an ag educator, and value the connections I can make with organizations that support my mission and education,” Garwood said. 

Joekel and Schneider are 2026 graduates of Gering High School, and both will pursue degrees to help animals. 

Joekel was an FFA member throughout high school, attending competitions and volunteering for community service. She has attended the Nebraska State FFA Convention and the FFA National Convention. She’ll be attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in the fall.

“This scholarship is important to me because it will help me cover some of my college expenses, including housing, books and tuition. My future career plans include going to work at a veterinary clinic as a certified veterinary technician,” Joekel said.

Schneider will be at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall, where she will major in animal science. Her goal is to become a mixed-animal veterinarian and return to Nebraska to work with both large and small animals in her community. 

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it helps support my goal of becoming a veterinarian and allows me to continue my education doing something I am passionate about,” Schneider said. 

CCA award winners

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association would like to congratulate all award winners who were recognized at this year’s Annual Convention. CCA recognized several outstanding individuals and award winners during our 2026 Annual Convention. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment continue to strengthen both CCA and Colorado agriculture.

2026 Award Recipients:

• Leopold Conservation Award – Eagle Rock Ranch of Jefferson, Colo., owned and operated by the Gottenborg Family
• Honorary Lifetime Member – Gene Manuello, Sterling, Colo.
• Volunteer of the Year Award – Willie Altenburg, Wellington, Colo.
• Outgoing President Recognition and Award – Curt Russell, Sugar City, Colo.
• Incoming President Recognition and Award – Mark LeValley, Hotchkiss, Colo.
• Outgoing Board Member Recognition and Award – Robert Farnam, Brush, Colo.; Jim Santomaso, Sterling, Colo.; and John Raftopolous, Craig, Colo.

CCA recently celebrated its 159th Annual Convention in Loveland with members and stakeholders from across the state. The convention featured engaging committee meetings, the ninth annual Ranching Legacy Symposium, the “Under the Big Top” reception and “Big Top Bash” banquet, valuable opportunities to connect with fellow producers and industry partners and much more.