GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Three local students were the first recipients of a new agriculture-focused scholarship program.
Logan Anderson of Sparta, Brandon Barker of Holland, and Keira VanderKolk of Hudsonville each received $1,000 from the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council to support their education in agriculture and related fields.
“These students represent the future of agribusiness,” Carol Distel, Agribusiness Talent Council lead, said in a statement. “Their passion, experience and vision reflect exactly what our industry needs and we’re proud to support them as they take the next step in their education.”
Anderson is pursuing an education in agribusiness to continue his family’s 100-year business at AB Orchards in Sparta. A graduate of Algoma Christian School, he plans to pursue an associate degree at Montcalm Community College before transferring to Michigan State University to study agribusiness.
“Through a college degree in agribusiness, I can use practical business skills to run the farm successfully,” Anderson said. “Although it is important to know how to grow things, it’s just as crucial to understand the principles of economics, accounting and marketing.”
Barker is studying agribusiness management at Michigan State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. With a background in excavation and hobby farming, he hopes to become a consultant while continuing his farming operation.
“One of the most affirming experiences that solidified my pursuit of agribusiness actually took place outside the industry,” Barker said. “From high school until just before starting college at Michigan State University, I worked in the excavating industry. My father owned a construction and land development business, where I developed a strong appreciation for land, equipment and, eventually, project management during my time as a foreman.
“These elements are crucial to leading a successful agribusiness, and they reinforced my desire to apply my skills in agriculture.”
VanderKolk, a graduate of Hudsonville High School, plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science with a focus on feed chemistry. Her goal is to become a chemical livestock feed analyst to improve livestock nutrition and efficiency.
“I have learned from being in 4-H that certain feed combinations are more effective and better than others. I want to be able to develop and analyze feed to the chemical level. Some key elements of feed that I want to develop are protein efficiency and digestion health,” VanderKolk said. “I believe that if we start improving livestock feed, we can start to improve all of agriculture. Everything starts with the feed.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in agribusiness, reside in one of the seven counties served by West Michigan Works! — Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa — and be enrolled (or be a high school senior planning to enroll) in an agriculture-related degree program at an accredited college or university.
The next round of applications will reopen in January 2026.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2025).
© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
Ad Choices
