QUEENSTOWN, Md. — Two students have gone above and beyond at Virginia Tech and will be supported by the Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers (MACCA) scholarship this year. The board sees the value of individuals working towards an agricultural degree to support the next generation of agriculture professionals and appreciates the abundance of applications this year.
The scholarship committee reviewed all applications blind with identifying information redacted. The committee was ecstatic to see many individuals working toward higher education, especially in the field of agronomy.
Graduating in December of 2021, Ryan Wheatley is being awarded $500 and the opportunity to take the CCA exam free of cost upon graduation. From Clayton, Delaware, Ryan was raised on a dairy, grain, and poultry farm where he worked along his family on a daily basis. At Smyrna High School, Ryan was actively engaged in FFA serving as the Chapter President, awarded Regional Star Farmer, recognized for four FFA proficiencies, and is currently working towards his American Degree. In Blacksburg, Virginia Ryan has been involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and the Dairy Club while working towards a degree in Dairy Science with a minor in Agronomy. This summer, you can find Ryan working for Growmark FS viewing a different perspective of grain production with the plan to one day take over his family’s farm.
The second recipient, Peter Arnold, will be awarded $1,000 and will also be given the opportunity to take the CCA exam free of cost. Also attending Virginia Tech, Peter is from Chestertown, Maryland where he was raised on a produce farm. On his family’s farm, Peter is heavily involved in the planting and marketing decisions. Currently, Peter is a Sophomore working on a degree in Crop and Soil Science. At Virginia Tech, Peter has been actively involved with the Young Farmers, the Agronomy Club, and as a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ambassador. Before leaving the Eastern Shore, Peter was heavily involved in the Queen Anne’s County FFA Chapter. For 2021, Syngenta will enjoy their second year with Peter as a research intern as he prepares to be a crop adviser.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients and the board wishes every applicant a successful semester!
–Jenell Eck, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board