The Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and the three Farm Bureau County Boards are proud to announce their 2026 scholarship awardees.
These scholarships are made possible through the fundraising efforts and support of Delaware Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau members, volunteers, and community partners throughout the year.
The following students were awarded 2026 scholarships from the Delaware Farm Bureau:
Hope Dunn
State Women’s Committee Youth Scholarship
Hope Dunn of Townsend was awarded the $2,500 State Women’s Committee Youth Scholarship. She plans to pursue a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware before earning a master’s degree in education and becoming an agriculture educator.
A graduate of Odessa High School, Dunn was active in the National Honor Society, volleyball, and Odessa FFA. She has also gained hands-on agricultural experience through work on several farms and enjoys hunting, fishing, and crabbing.
Inspired by the impact her own agriculture teachers had on her life, Dunn hopes to educate future generations about agriculture and encourage them to become advocates for the industry. She also looks forward to continuing to learn about agriculture’s many sectors and sharing that knowledge with her future students.
McKenna Vest
Kent County Women’s Committee Scholarship
McKenna Vest of Clayton received the $1,000 Kent County Women’s Committee Scholarship. She is currently pursuing degrees in Agricultural Economics and Agrifood Sales at Texas A&M University.
At Texas A&M, Vest works in the Agribusiness, Food and Consumer Economics Research Center and is active in many organizations, including Aggie Reps, the Agricultural Economics Society, the National Agri-Marketing Association, intramural volleyball, and Two42 College Ministry. She also remains involved in the dairy industry through Dairy Challenge, Dairy Science Club, Delaware 4-H Cow Camp, and raising and showing dairy cattle. Vest exhibits dairy cattle and market goats at the Delaware State Fair.
Following graduation, Vest plans to become an agricultural marketing specialist, helping bridge the gap between producers and consumers while supporting a stronger and more profitable agricultural sector. As a fifth-generation farmer, she is passionate about agricultural sustainability and credits her experiences in farming and interactions with industry professionals for shaping her career goals.
Rylin McCloskey
Hubert Cannon Memorial Scholarship by Kent County Farm Bureau
Rylin McCloskey of Houston earned the $1,000 Hubert Cannon Memorial Scholarship by Kent County Farm Bureau. A graduate of Lake Forest High School, she plans to attend Shenandoah University to pursue a degree in nursing.
Growing up on her family’s farm gave McCloskey a strong appreciation for agriculture and the importance of serving her community. Inspired by the dedication of healthcare professionals, she chose to pursue a career in nursing with the goal of helping and supporting others during times of need.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she plans to work in an emergency room before continuing her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She looks forward to making a meaningful impact through patient care while carrying with her the values she learned growing up in a farm family.
Zachary Binnie
New Castle County Women’s Committee Scholarship
Zachary Binnie of Townsend was selected for the $1,000 New Castle County Women’s Committee Scholarship to support his education towards a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware.
A 2026 graduate of Odessa High School, Binnie developed a passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship through FFA, particularly the Delaware Envirothon. He competed on the Envirothon team for three years and earned the opportunity to travel to Canada for an international competition, an experience that solidified his decision to pursue a career in environmental conservation.
Through his education, Binnie hopes to promote a greater understanding of the role wildlife plays in healthy ecosystems and help ensure a sustainable future for people, plants, and wildlife.
Sydney Phipps
New Castle County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Sydney Phipps of Wilmington received the $1,000 New Castle County Farm Bureau Scholarship. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, she will attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine this fall.
Phipps developed her passion for agriculture and animal production through years of raising and showing sheep, where she gained experience breeding and managing her own flock. Her interest in livestock agriculture inspired her goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Through veterinary shadowing opportunities and involvement in organizations such as the Penn State Pre-Vet Club, Block & Bridle, and the Livestock Judging Team, she has expanded her knowledge and experience within the industry.
As a future large animal veterinarian, Phipps hopes to support the sustainability of the food system through the proper care and management of livestock. She also aims to educate new producers and inspire the next generation to become engaged in agriculture.
Ainsley West
Sussex County Women’s Committee Scholarship
Ainsley West of Milton received the $1,000 Sussex County Women’s Committee Scholarship and plans to attend East Coast Horseshoeing School to become a farrier.
West is also pursuing a degree in Production Agriculture at Delaware Technical Community College to support her work in livestock production, sheep management, and equine care. She owns and operates West’s Woolies, where she is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Leicester Longwool sheep breed.
In addition to her involvement in 4-H, FFA, and agricultural ambassador programs, West is an active leader within Delaware Farm Bureau. She serves as the Sussex County Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair, which earned her a seat on both the Sussex County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Delaware Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. West plans to continue advocating for agriculture and promoting the industry’s future.
James Baxter
Sussex County Farm Bureau Scholarship
James Baxter of Georgetown received the $1,000 Sussex County Farm Bureau Scholarship. A graduate of Delmarva Christian Academy, he plans to attend the University of Delaware to pursue a degree in General Agricultural Sciences.
Raised on his family’s farm, Baxter hopes to return home after college and continue his family’s legacy. He believes the education and skills he gains at the University of Delaware will help strengthen the farm’s long-term sustainability and success for future generations.
Baxter also follows a strong tradition of leadership and advocacy within Delaware Farm Bureau. His great-grandfather, James H. Baxter Jr., was a founding member of Delaware Farm Bureau and served as a past president. Continuing that legacy, Baxter looks forward to becoming involved with the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and supporting the future of agriculture in Delaware.
Kassidy Hearn
Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Scholarship
Kassidy Hearn of Laurel received a $1,000 scholarship from the state Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee as she pursues a degree in Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University.
Hearn’s passion for agriculture was shaped by her experiences in the industry. She grew up picking produce, raising and showing livestock, and competing in rodeos. At Oklahoma State, she remains actively involved in the Swine Club, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, and the Honors Society while continuing to expand her knowledge of the agricultural industry.
Hearn hopes to use her education and experiences to share agriculture’s story with consumers and advocates. Her goal is to highlight the people, animals, and dedication behind the industry while helping protect, represent, and strengthen agriculture for future generations.
Rachel O’Day
Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Scholarship
Rachel O’Day of Seaford has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the state Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. The funds will be used to support her pursuit in a degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky.
Growing up on her family’s farm and participating in 4-H and FFA provided O’Day with a strong foundation in agriculture. Her interest in agricultural economics was strengthened during an internship with First Citizens Community Bank, where she discovered a passion for helping farmers make informed financial decisions, manage risk, and maintain successful operations.
Outside the classroom, O’Day is active in the National Honor Society, Leo Club, Technology Student Association, Make-a-Change Club, and Ski Club. She also served for two years on the Delaware State Fair Junior Board. Through her education, O’Day hopes to support agricultural producers by providing the financial knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
