Shaffer and Watkins awarded dairy scholarships

Abby Shaffer of Troy, Missouri, is a recipient of the 2025 Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation Campbell-Vieten Scholarship.

Abby graduated from Troy Buchanan High School in 2023 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Communications and Leadership at the University of Missouri in Columbia.  She will graduate in May 2026 and plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in Agricultural Education or attending law school to focus on agricultural policy and advocacy.

Alongside her major, Abby is completing minors in International Agriculture, Plant Science, and Agribusiness Management, allowing her to explore the global, scientific, and economic aspects of the agricultural industry.  Her studies have strengthened her understanding of how interconnected agricultural systems shape food production and policy both domestically and abroad.

Although she did not grow up on a farm, Abby’s passion for agriculture began through her involvement in the National FFA Organization, where she developed a deep appreciation for the people and practices that sustain rural America.  Inspired by her father’s stories of growing up on a dairy, she has carried that same sense of responsibility and pride into her work today.

At the University of Missouri, Abby has continued to grow as a leader through her involvement in Sigma Alpha, where she served as Treasurer and Fundraising Director.  She also represents the College of Agriculture as an Agricultural Education Ambassador and is active in organizations such as Collegiate Farm Bureau and Ag Ed Society.

Abby is the daughter of Aaron and Brittany Shaffer.

Morgan Watkins of Buckner, Missouri is the recipient of the 2025 Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation Rex Ricketts Memorial Scholarship.

Morgan is currently a senior at the University of Missouri in Columbia, majoring in Agricultural Education and will be graduating in May 2026.  She is a passionate individual who didn’t have a traditional start to agriculture but is now dedicated to helping others find their purpose in the industry.  As a part of her degree, Morgan is currently student teaching in Milan Missouri.  She plans to pursue a career as an agriculture educator upon graduation.

Growing up in the suburbs of Kansas City, Morgan joined FFA on a whim and slowly fell in love with the organization.  She developed an ambition to serve and got as involved as she could in high school.  After serving as a Missouri FFA State Officer from 2022-2023, she joined the conservation with industry leaders in a variety of capacities through internships, jobs and leadership opportunities.  Morgan is excited to prepare the next generation of leaders who will change the world as an Agricultural Educator.

She is the daughter of Mark Watkins and Tracy Truex.