The Angus Foundation named five recipients of the 2025 Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship, recognizing exceptional students actively involved in commercial cattle operations and pursuing degrees that will benefit the beef industry. Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Angus Foundation to support their academic journey.

The Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship program was created to support students who use registered Angus genetics in their commercial herds. The scholarship reflects the Angus Foundation’s commitment to investing in the future of the beef industry by empowering young leaders to pursue educational opportunities.

The Angus Foundation Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship program helps support students using Angus genetics in a commercial operation.

“Receiving this scholarship is a great honor,” says Emma Whitlock of Milan, Mo., 2025 scholarship recipient. “It shows support for young people who want to come back to the farm and invest in their communities. That encouragement means a lot as I work toward my goals.”

This year’s recipients follow.

Will DeBates, Jasper, Minn.

Will DeBates is pursuing an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College and plans to transfer to South Dakota State University to study ruminant nutrition. Raised on a first-generation cow-calf operation started by his father, DeBates received his first cow from his grandparents and has since grown his commercial herd to 25 head, along with 10 registered Angus cows and bulls under the name DeBates Cattle Co.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with cattle and being around them — whether it was showing steers and heifers or sorting pairs and feeding cows,” he says. “Receiving this scholarship helps lessen the financial burden and allows me to continue building my herd while furthering my education.”

DeBates is passionate about advocating for agriculture and believes education is key. He incorporates registered Angus genetics into his herd for their mothering ability, foot quality and marbling traits. His long-term goal is to take over his grandparents’ farm and ranch and grow his operation.

Kelsey Howard, O’Neill, Neb.

A senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Howard is majoring in animal science with a focus on food animal production and management. Raised on a small cow-calf operation near O’Neill, she developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for the beef industry through hands-on experience with her family’s herd.

“I’ve always loved animals, especially livestock, so it felt natural to pursue a career in animal science,” she says. “This scholarship not only helps me financially, but it also motivates me to keep working hard toward my goals.”

Howard is a Nebraska Beef Industry Scholar and has been active in Block and Bridle, Young Nebraska Cattlemen and Collegiate FFA. Her family has long incorporated registered Angus genetics for their maternal traits, carcass quality and overall traits that align with her goals. Already certified as an artificial insemination (AI) technician, Kelsey plans to expand her skills in embryo transfer (ET) and pursue a career in beef cattle reproduction while continuing to grow her own herd.