Students win soybean scholarships

The North Carolina Soybean Producers Association recently announced the recipients of its N.C. Soybean Research Scholarships. The association established the scholarships to support students who are seeking careers in the soybean industry.

The scholarships are awarded annually to students studying soybean production and who are involved in soybean research at N.C. State University. They are based on merit and need, with a strong preference for students from N.C. families farming soybeans.

“We are pleased to provide scholarships through the soybean checkoff to this strong group of students who have shown an interest in the soybean industry,” said Jeff Peed, a soybean farmer from Aurora and president of the NCSPA. “We are certain they will make a positive impact on agriculture and soybean farming, and are glad to help support their education.”

Scholarship recipients for the 2016-2017 academic year are:

-- Joshua Joyner of Johnston County, a junior majoring in plant and soil sciences in the NCSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

-- James Ferebee of Currituck County, a senior majoring in agribusiness management in CALS.

-- Dustin Black of Randolph County, a senior majoring in plant biology in CALS.

-- Collin Blalock of Wilson County, a sophomore majoring in agricultural science in CALS.

-- Tyler Englebright of Granville County, a second-year student majoring in field crop technology in the NCSU Agricultural Institute.

-- Joseph Hunter of Lenoir County, a senior majoring in agricultural science in CALS.

The NCSPA is a statewide trade association representing all N.C. soybean producers, responsible for research, education and promotion programs to benefit the state’s soybean farmers. It also administers national soybean checkoff programs in North Carolina.