COLLEGE STATION – Whitney Crossland, an animal science graduate student at Texas A&M University, is a recipient of the W.D. Farr Scholarship for the 2015-2016 school year from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.
The $12,000 scholarship recognizes outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in meat science and animal agriculture. The scholarship will be presented in January at the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in San Diego, Calif.
“I am proud of Whitney for receiving this prestigious scholarship,” said Russell Cross, Ph.D., professor and head of animal science. “Mr. Farr was a founding icon in the cattle feeding industry and had a significant impact on many people, myself included. I have no doubt Whitney’s strong work ethic and passion for animal agriculture emulates the type of student characteristics Mr. Farr would be pleased to support.”
Crossland, of Denton, Texas, is studying the feeding application of ethanol by-products and the effects of commercial feed additives on the ruminant microbiome. She plans to use her scholarship for international travel to gain a global understanding of beef production.
Crossland is seeking a doctorate in animal science working under the direction of Dr. Luis Tedeschi, professor of animal nutrition. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science with an emphasis in ruminant nutrition from Texas A&M University. Over the last ten years, she has worked in numerous capacities, including as an AgriScience teacher, graduate teaching and research assistant, livestock pharmaceutical saleswoman and marketing coordinator.
In addition to Crossland, graduate student Greta Krafsur of Colorado State University received a W.D. Farr Scholarship for the current school year.
The W.D. Farr Scholarships, established in 2007, recognize superior achievement in academics and leadership, and allow graduate students to further their study in fields that benefit the cattle and beef industry. Farr was the first president of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which would later become the NCBA. He was known for his dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development, which has resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation. Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.
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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.