Scholarships Awarded by Maryland Grain Producers

Recognizing the need for qualified professionals in the agricultural sector, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board expanded their scholarship program to award four students each $2,500 at the Maryland Commodity Classic on July 24.  Recipients for 2008-09 are Laura Gaver of New Market, Robert Miller of North East, Ben Murphy of Ijamsville, and Curtis Rhoderick of Mt. Airy.
 
“We are pleased to be able to help such qualified individuals with scholarships this year,” states Donald Maring, MGPUB President.  “We need trained professionals to meet the demand for careers addressing issues such as world hunger and food safety, renewable energy and environmental stewardship.  Over $60,000 has now been awarded through the Grain Producers Scholarship Program.” 
 
The daughter of Michael and Lisa Gaver of New Market, Laura Gaver was raised on a diversified farm of dairy cattle, grain and Christmas trees.  She attends Virginia Tech majoring in Dairy Science, where she is a member of the Dairy Club and is active and recognized in leadership and public speaking activities.  Laura is also a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador and active in the Young Farmers.  At Linganore High School she was involved in FFA, helped with the Farm Safety for Just Kids camp, and was a 4-H member for ten years.  She is very interested in science and would like to study genetic engineering to learn how to develop more efficient and productive crops and livestock.  Laura believes, “It is an extraordinary time to be a grain producer as the economics of supplying a growing world population with food and becoming energy independent with Biofuels will make this industry THE industry to be a part of.”
 
Robert Miller hopes to use what he has learned through his animal science degree at Penn State to eventually take over the farm and become the most efficient farmer in the state of Maryland.  His parents Bob and Diane Miller operate a dairy and grain farm in North East.  Robert has been active in the farm since “I was big enough to pick up a bucket.”  He attended Rising Sun High School and graduated in June 2008 with a GPA of 3.82.  He was captain of the Cecil County Dairy Bowl, member of the Maryland Dairy Bowl, officer of his 4-H club, played football, basketball and lacrosse, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
 
A sophomore at Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, Ben Murphy is majoring in beef and crop production.  He is the son of Patrick and Mary Murphy, and lives on his family’s cattle and grain farm in Ijamsville where he helps with all aspects of the operation.  When Ben graduates, he plans on working full time off the farm to earn funds to improve the farm to make it more efficient, and then go into farming full time.  He attended Urbana High School where he was an FFA member, a Maryland Distinguished Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and member of the Dean’s List.  He volunteers as a Farm Safety Camp Counselor, and with the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department and St. Ignatius of Loyola.  Ben stated, “I am very excited about the future of production agriculture and am looking forward to my part in it.”
 
Curtis Rhoderick lives on the family dairy and grain farm with his parents, Wayne and Lucinda Rhoderick of Mt. Airy.  When home, Curtis has the full responsibility of caring for, and raising all the dairy replacement heifers.  He sees unlimited career opportunities ahead, yet says “there is a strong possibility I will return to the family farm doing what I love, raising and milking quality dairy cattle.”  Curtis attended Linganore High School where he was involved in many activities, including 4-H, Beef, Sheep and Swine Club, Dairy Club, Judging Teams, FFA, and volunteered for his church and community.  He just finished his sophomore year at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in Dairy Science with a minor in Agricultural and Applied Economics.  He is actively involved in the Dairy Club of Virginia Tech and Alpha Gamma Rho. 
 
 “Agriculture is an exciting career field with so many opportunities today,” concludes Maring.  “We see a bright future with the caliber of talented young people that are pursuing careers to help our industry grow, and provide the food and energy needs of generations to come.  This scholarship program is a long-term investment with big dividends for the future of our industry.”