By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University student Ella Stiefvater received a 2025 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation Scholarship, recognizing her strong dedication to agricultural communications. She earned the Orion Samuel Scholarship, sponsored by CME Group Inc., which supports students preparing for careers in farm broadcasting and agriculture media.
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation awarded $47,500 in scholarships in 2025 to six students pursuing agricultural communication careers. Stiefvater received recognition during the foundation’s Celebration Luncheon at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
Her selection reflects her growing experience and commitment to telling the stories of farmers and ranchers. She served as a farm broadcasting intern with Rural Radio Network, where she gained practical experience interviewing agricultural leaders and producers. These experiences helped strengthen her communication and broadcasting skills.
Stiefvater also worked as a marketing and communications intern for SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. In this role, she helped explain complex agricultural topics to a wide audience. Additional internships, including work with Show Barn Flix and Stockyards Ag Experience, further developed her live-event and on-air broadcasting abilities.
When asked about the scholarship, Stiefvater said, “I am humbled and so grateful to be one of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting scholarship recipients, especially one in honor of the great Orion Samuelson. Getting to work alongside passionate farm broadcasters has been an incredible learning opportunity the past three years, and the teams at Rural Radio Network and WNAX deserve the most credit for my work. Serving our farmers and ranchers through the radio is a joy and privilege.”
She also shared appreciation for mentors and student organizations at SDSU that helped shape her growth in agricultural communications. Her involvement in broadcasting, writing, social media, and leadership roles demonstrates strong professional development.
Scholarships like this support the future of farm broadcasting by encouraging talented students to continue serving agriculture through communication. The National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation continues its mission to strengthen agricultural media and prepare for the next generation of industry voices.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education