Conrad Schelkopf of Geneva, Nebraska, and Tyler Thomas of Baker City, Oregon, have been named recipients of the 2025 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF). Each will receive $15,000 in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to advancing the beef industry. The honorees will be celebrated during CattleCon 2025, taking place February 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
The W.D. Farr Scholarship, established in 2007, commemorates the legacy of W.D. Farr, a pioneering Colorado rancher, statesman, and banker whose innovations revolutionized agriculture and water management practices. Farr’s vision for the industry continues to inspire through this scholarship program, which supports the education and development of future leaders in beef production.
Schelkopf, a PhD candidate in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University, brings a lifetime of hands-on experience and academic rigor to the industry. With a background rooted in Nebraska’s diverse livestock and crop operations, he holds degrees in animal science from Colorado State University and veterinary medicine from Kansas State University. His research focuses on practical solutions in cattle health management, with an emphasis on sustainability and improving practices throughout the production cycle.
Thomas, pursuing a PhD in animal nutrition at Colorado State University, has cultivated a career spanning genetics, cattle feeding, and animal nutrition both in the U.S. and internationally. A Kansas State graduate with a master’s degree from Colorado State, he is dedicated to addressing consumer demands while boosting operational profitability. His work aims to create sustainable, profitable strategies for cattle operations while fostering innovation and knowledge transfer within the industry.
The NCF highlights the importance of these scholarships in shaping the future of beef production. By supporting graduate students like Schelkopf and Thomas, the foundation continues its mission to equip the next generation of industry leaders with the tools and expertise to address evolving challenges.
For more information about the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and the W.D. Farr Scholarship, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.
