DECATUR, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) organization has awarded four scholarship for females studying agriculture. IAW supports the agriculture industry, works for legislation to support and preserve family farms, communicates with other agriculture organizations, and strives to educate the public and promote agricultural awareness.

Dana Merriman, a senior at Illinois State University, received the $1,500 IAW Helen Henert Agriculture Education Scholarship.

“Agricultural education is essential for the future of Illinois and the United States,” Merriman said. “In Illinois, agriculture is a major economic driver, with crops like corn, soybeans, and livestock being key exports. By providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to keep farming efficient and competitive, agricultural education is shaping the next generation of leaders in farming, agribusiness, research, and policy—ensuring that students become the future of agriculture.”

Three $1,000 WCFA Agent of Change Scholarships were offered to students who have attended at least one Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference. Eligible applicants include past attendees of the WCFA career exploration event. One scholarship has been awarded to a high school senior, one awarded to a current college student, and one scholarship awarded to a current graduate student.

The 2025 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Agent of Change scholarship recipients are:

Hannah Miller received the $1000 Phyllis Johnson Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Matt and Tammy Miller of Cabery, Illinois. Miller is majoring in agriculture business and animal science at Black Hawk College East.

“Through my National FFA Winning Swine Production SAE project, I found a specific passion for helping agricultural businesses thrive,” Miller said. “Through this project I also found a love for studying genetics and tracking how genetics pass down from parents to offspring. Additionally, studying animal science with a focus on genetics will allow me to help the food supply, specifically the pork industry. I have a goal of making swine operations more sustainable and help the swine industry decrease our global footprint.”

Libby Larkin, attending Western Illinois University, is the recipient of the $1000 Joan Loeb Memorial Scholarship. Her parents are Dale and Jenny Larkin, hailing from Pontiac, Illinois. Larkin’s plans are to major agriculture business and agronomy, with an emphasis on precision agriculture technology.

“Once I complete my bachelor’s at WIU, I will promote the use of precision agriculture and agronomy to optimize production and maximize land potential,” she said. “My goal is to help farmers reduce expenses, increase production, and ensure profitability while maintaining sustainability. Additionally, I will inspire young women to be involved in 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau, and encourage them to return to our rural communities to grow our local agricultural industry for generations to come.”

Emma Ennis, who is at Southern Illinois University, the daughter of Stan and Linda Metzger from Charleston, Illinois, will also receive $1000. She completed her degree at Lake Land Community College and Southern Illinois University receiving her Bachelors in Agriculture Education and Leadership. Continuing at Southern Illinois University, Stevens is pursuing a Master’s degree in Agriculture Education and Leadership.

“My career goal of achieving a master’s degree, with the help of this scholarship, would expand where I am at. It would allow me to work with our local community colleges to have dual credit classes,” Ennis states.