The Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture (MFA) is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Paul Stark Memorial and Al Christopherson Scholarships. These scholarships recognize outstanding young leaders in agriculture who have demonstrated dedication to their communities, leadership within 4-H, FFA, collegiate organizations, and Farm Bureau, and a commitment to advancing the agricultural industry.

 

Al Christopherson Scholarship Recipients

 

Natalie Clemenson is a junior attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Dairy Science with Minors in Agricultural Business and Spanish from Goodhue County. 
 Clemenson’s leadership and involvement span Collegiate Farm Bureau, UWRF Dairy Club, Rooted in Faith Campus Ministry, Midwest Dairy, and FFA as a State Officer. She has extensive experience in dairy judging and knowledge bowl competitions at the county, state, and national levels and has served as a county dairy princess and 4-H leader. Her deep involvement in Farm Bureau began during her tenure as a Minnesota FFA State Officer, and she continues to expand her contributions to the organization.

 

Katie Radman is a junior attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Communication and Marketing from Dakota county.
 Radman has held multiple leadership positions within Beta of Clovia Sorority, Block and Bridle Club, Minnesota Royal, and the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Marketing Club. She has a long history of involvement in 4-H and FFA, serving in leadership roles at the chapter, region, and state levels. Katie’s Farm Bureau experience includes competing in discussion meets at the regional, state, and national levels, attending the AFBF FUSION Conference, and participating in Day on the Hill and Ag Day Gala events.

 

Carson Ruen is a senior from Fillmore County attending Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Business with Finance emphasis and International Agriculture. 

Ruen has been an active member of the Iowa Corn Growers Collegiate Club, Agricultural Business Club, Block and Bridle, and various other agricultural organizations. He has held leadership roles including secretary of the Iowa Corn Growers Collegiate Club and has represented his club at events such as the Bacon Expo and CALS Olympics. Carson also studied abroad in Greece, gaining international agricultural knowledge, and has been deeply involved in 4-H and FFA since middle school, developing leadership skills and mentoring younger members.

 

 Abbygail Schlough is a junior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Agricultural Education and Animal Science and a Hennepin county Farm Bureau member. 

Schlough has been heavily involved in 4-H since 2013, serving in multiple leadership roles including treasurer, historian, secretary, vice president, and president pf her club. She was also active in Boyceville, Wisconsin FFA, holding chapter offices as secretary and president, and competed in livestock showing and dairy judging for both organizations. At the University of Minnesota, Abbygail is an active member of Gopher Dairy Club, AECM Club, Gopher Crops & Soils Club, Alpha Tau Alpha, CFANS Ambassador program.

 

Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship Recipients

 

Allison Deplazes is a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture Communications from Dakota County.
 

Deplazes has been a member of Dakota County Farm Bureau since 2023 and has participated in numerous events, including Agriculture Gala and the 4-H Plant Science Steering Committee. She has been involved in 4-H for 14 years as a State Agriculture Ambassador, serving in officer positions and leadership roles across various projects including youth leadership, plant science, and rabbits. Deplazes has also been an active FFA member, holding multiple officer positions and achieving her state degree.

 

Lilly Ostlie from Swift County is currently a sophomore at South Dakota State University majoring in Animal Science. 
 

Ostlie has been involved in 4-H, FFA, Junior Red Angus Association, United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association, and multiple community organizations. She has served in leadership roles including Minnesota Junior Red Angus President, Swift County 4-H Federation President, and Chair of the Western Minnesota Junior Suffolk Show. Ostlie has participated in extensive community service projects and continues to develop her leadership and technical skills in animal science, aspiring to a career in livestock health, nutrition, and research.

 

Keeley Runge originally from Watonwan County is a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Agricultural Business & Agricultural Leadership. 
 

Runge has been actively involved in 4-H, FFA, Student Council, and the Junior American Legion Auxiliary since kindergarten. She has held numerous leadership positions including Minnesota FFA State Reporter, chapter FFA President, and county federation offices. Runge has volunteered extensively with Farm Bureau events, County Corn & Soybean Growers, and served as a community representative for Godahl and St. James, MN.

 

Savannah Selin from Chisago County is a freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Education. 
 

Selin’s involvement includes Farm Bureau, 4-H, FFA, Chisago Lakes Ambassador Program, American Rabbit Breeder’s Association, Minnesota State Rabbit Breeders Association, and Chisago County Fair board. She has served as a youth leader in 4-H, held officer positions in FFA, and competed in livestock judging, food science, prepared public speaking, and Farm Bureau discussion meet competitions.