Farm bureau awards 16 scholarships

By: QUINN EASTMAN - Staff Writer | Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:20 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY ---- The San Diego County Farm Bureau announced that it is awarding scholarships to 16 college students studying agriculture in California, the largest number since the organization began awarding scholarships in 1999.

The students plan to study education, greenhouse management, veterinary medicine and viticulture.

Many seek to bring the latest engineering and environmental knowledge back to their families' businesses. Such as Ryan Cosgrove from Encinitas, who wants to learn about orchid and subtropical plant propagation. He attends Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo and plans to transfer to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Most recipients are undergraduate students, while one, Susan Stanfield, is in her 40s and earning a graduate certificate in nursery management with the goal of making a career switch.

"I've always loved plants and gardening ---- it's been my therapy," said Stansfield, who is studying at MiraCosta College. She travels frequently for her current job running conventions and business conferences. She said she is glad MiraCosta professors can work with her complicated schedule.

Luke Schaner, 21, beginning his junior year at Cal Poly, is to receive the first $1,500 Fran Hillebrecht Memorial Scholarship. Hillebrecht, who died in 2004, was Farmer of the Year in 2000 and a strong supporter of the Farm Bureau's education programs.

Schaner, the second oldest of eight children, grew up working on his family's 45-acre farm in Valley Center, which produces avocados, citrus, vegetables and eggs. He said that he is studying agricultural engineering, with a view to increasing efficiency and productivity through irrigation technology and solar power at the family farm.

He said he loves farming, despite the hardships, such as the freeze earlier this year that killed a grove of newly planted avocado trees on the farm. During his high school career at St. Augstine High School in San Diego he said he could not wait to get home to the farm every day.

Schraner said he was gratified to get the Hillebrecht award and other scholarships because they would help finance his education ---- and thereby help his six younger brothers.

The awards range from $750 to $2,500. Four of the scholarships are provided by American AgCredit, Grangetto's Farm & Garden Supply, Village Nurseries and Western Farm Service.

Funds also come from private donations and the Farm Bureau's annual scholarship golf tournament.

The majority are attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The winners include:

- Ryan Cosgrove, Encinitas, junior, Cuesta College

- Micah Denbraver, San Marcos, senior, University of the Pacific

- Jessica Eby, Lakeside, freshman, Cuyamaca College

- Jena Glasgow, Ramona, freshman, Cal Poly

- Daniel Holtz, Escondido, junior, Cal Poly

- Katie Kasten, Valley Center, freshman, MiraCosta College

- Kaleigh Matthews, Fallbrook, junior, Cal Poly

- Steven McClennan, Escondido, freshman, Cal Poly

- Colin McKim, Escondido, sophomore, Cal Poly

- Joshua Raser, Escondido, senior, Cal Poly

- Caroline Savage, Ramona, senior, Cal State Chico

- Luke Schaner, Valley Center, junior, Cal Poly

- Susan Stanfield, Escondido, earning a nursery management certificate at MiraCosta College

- Kariann Torres, Fallbrook, earning a teaching credential at Cal State Fresno

- Lindsey Tulloch, Pine Valley, junior, Cal Poly

- Stefanie White, Fallbrook, freshman, Cal Poly

Contact staff writer Quinn Eastman at (760) 740-5412 or qeastman@nctimes.com.

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