I am deeply honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2026 Oregon Cattlemen’s Stewardship Fund Scholarship. Thank you for your generous investment in my education and for supporting the next generation of Oregon’s agricultural leaders.
Receiving this scholarship is both a financial blessing and an incredible encouragement as I continue pursuing my education and career in agriculture. Growing up in Oregon agriculture has instilled in me a deep appreciation for responsible stewardship, hard work, and service to our rural communities. Your confidence in students like me inspires me to continue working toward a future where I can advocate for and strengthen our state’s livestock industry.
I sincerely appreciate your commitment to supporting students who are passionate about agriculture and dedicated to preserving the values that make Oregon’s cattle industry so strong. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on my educational journey and future career.
Thank you again for this incredible honor and for investing in my future. I am truly grateful for your support.
My name is Bayli Ladner, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Nutrition at Kansas State University while competing as a student-athlete on the Kansas State Rodeo Team. Originally from Klamath Falls, Oregon, I was raised on my family’s ranch where I developed a deep appreciation for the cattle industry and the values that define agriculture, hard work, stewardship, and service. My involvement in agriculture began at an early age through daily livestock responsibilities and continued through years of participation in 4-H, FFA, and rodeo. These experiences provided opportunities to develop leadership skills, advocate for agriculture, and build a strong foundation in animal science. Throughout high school, I served in leadership positions within Oregon High School Rodeo and remained active in agricultural education and community outreach efforts.
Looking ahead, my goal is to build a career in beef cattle nutrition and contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the cattle industry. I hope to work as a feedlot nutritionist, developing practical, research-based nutrition programs that improve animal performance, herd health, and production efficiency. I am passionate about helping producers make informed management decisions while continuing to promote and strengthen the future of agriculture. As I continue my education, I remain committed to representing Oregon agriculture with professionalism and carrying forward the values and traditions that have shaped both my upbringing and future goals.
Growing up in Gaston, Oregon, I was actively involved in my family’s diversified agricultural operation, which produces and markets greenhouse and nursery products direct-to-consumer through farmers’ markets and a roadside stand. The operation also includes hay production and livestock enterprises, including dairy cattle, meat goats, and poultry. My involvement in agriculture began at an early age through 4-H and FFA, where I served in leadership roles at the club, chapter, and state levels.
I earned my undergraduate degrees from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, where I competed on the collegiate women’s basketball and golf teams. In addition to athletics, I was actively involved in the Agricultural Business Club, serving as president for three years. I graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Communications, and Economics, along with a minor in Plant and Animal Sciences.
After graduation, I served as the 66th Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador, traveling throughout the state to educate consumers, students, and industry stakeholders about the dairy industry. This role further inspired my interest in careers focused on education and serving agricultural communities.
Currently, I am a master’s student in Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. My research focuses on direct-to-consumer beef sales and evaluating beef-on-dairy crossbreeding metrics for Midwestern feedlots. Through this work, I aim to contribute practical economic insights that support agricultural producers and industry stakeholders.
Following completion of my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics. My long-term career goals include serving as an Extension educator, college professor, or agricultural economist within the agribusiness sector, where I can combine research, education, and industry engagement to support informed decision-making and strengthen the long-term sustainability and profitability of agricultural operations.
The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association’s Scholarship is for college students enrolling full time at a community college or university as sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Scholarship funds can be applied to tuition. Scholarships totaling up to $9,000.00 will be awarded. Scholarship funds are available to current Oregon Cattlemen’s Association members or their children.
The 2027 application period will open early 2027.