California Farm Bureau Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by California Farm Bureau Federation
Introduction The California Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to students committed to careers in agriculture. Awards are granted yearly based on academic performance, career objectives, extracurricular involvement, perseverance, leadership, and a demonstrated dedication to studying agriculture. For 2026, the Farm Bureau is offering only two scholarships: the Rustici Livestock and Rangeland Scholarship and the Carolyn S. Richardson Memorial Scholarship.
Available scholarships
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Rustici Livestock and Rangeland Scholarship
- This award is renewable, provided a new application is submitted each year.
- Eligible applicants must be entering or currently attending a two‑ or four‑year college or university.
- Intended career focus must be on domestic livestock (horses are excluded), large‑animal veterinary medicine, or rangeland management—particularly cattle and sheep ranching that emphasizes sound rangeland stewardship.
- Minimum academic standing: better than a C average.
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Carolyn S. Richardson Memorial Scholarship
- Named in memory of the late California Farm Bureau environmental advocate Carolyn S. Richardson.
- Restricted to exceptional candidates planning to study agricultural resource issues or pursue agricultural law.
- Only one Richardson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for 2026.
Other scholarship note If you are seeking The Curt and Joan Moran Scholarship (restricted to Lassen County residents), please apply through the Lassen County Farm Bureau website rather than this application.
Who should not apply You are not eligible to apply for these 2026 scholarships if you will graduate from college before Fall 2026 or if you will be enrolled in graduate school in Fall 2026.
Application process and required materials The online application must be completed and submitted in a single session; it cannot be saved and resumed later. Before beginning, have the following documents ready to upload or attach:
- Two letters of recommendation, on official letterhead, signed, and dated within the last three months.
- Your most recent high school and/or college transcript(s).
- An essay describing the educational or personal experiences that motivated you to pursue a university education. Explain why you chose your major and outline your current plans for the future.
- A recent, high‑resolution headshot.
Reminder These two scholarships (Rustici and Richardson) are the only scholarships the California Farm Bureau will offer for 2026.
Go to Scholarship Application