Three agricultural business students from the Department of Economics were each recently awarded $1250 scholarships by the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).

Those students include Jordan Hanson (pictured left), a senior with majors in agricultural business and dairy science; Jordan Vittetoe (right), a junior with majors in agricultural business and agronomy; and Janelle Erwin (center), a junior with majors in agricultural business and public service in administration.

Departments were asked to nominate undergraduate students with an Iowa background, an interest in farm management or appraisal, and demonstrated qualities of leadership, character, and scholarship. Nominees completed a written scholarship application, and were interviewed as finalists by a committee from ASFMRA on the ISU campus.

Vittetoe enjoyed the interview process, and says he had a “great discussion with the panel on current agricultural issues and my own career goals.”

Erwin felt it was “an honor" to be picked twice – both from the department as a nominee, and then by the committee.

“I was also impressed that they came to meet us face-to-face rather than just looking at us on paper,” she said. For Erwin, that kind of personal contact led her to learn of a potential internship from one panel member.

Hanson, a senior, will use the scholarship to complete his final semester at ISU. He plans to work in agricultural financial services after graduation and has received several job offers.

“I was proud to be recognized for my accomplishments,” he said. “And the fact that they could see my passion for finance and appraisal.”