Tennessee Cattleman's Association Scholarships

The Youth Beef Heifer Initiative Scholarship is sponsored by Farm Credit Mid America and the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association. The Heifer Initiative program provides youth in TN with a scholarship to purchase a beef heifer to show or begin their own herd. TCA and FCMA partner to provide a total of six scholarships totaling $9,000.

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and the Tennessee CattleWomen's Association will award four scholarships of $600 to outstanding students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. The purpose of this program is to identify and encourage talented and thoughtful students who will emerge as industry leaders. Applications are due June 1, 2025. Download the application below for more information.

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association (TCW) will award a total of four, $600 scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate good leadership skills, industry involvement, and a desire to pursue a career in the beef industry. Fields of study may include education, communications, production, research, or any other area involved with the beef industry. The purpose of this program is to identify and encourage talented and thoughtful students who will emerge as industry leaders.

CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, enrolled in a technical school program, or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a two or four-year institution in Tennessee for the entire 2025-2026 academic year. Scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution of learning to be applied toward the student’s expenses.

Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry through life experiences, industry involvement, 4-H & FFA involvement, and coursework. Previous scholarship winners are eligible to apply in subsequent years, but preference will be given to new applicants.

JUDGING PROCESS

TCA and TCW leadership will review the applications, essays, and select the winners. Essays will be judged on originality, grammar, clarity of expression, accuracy, and genuineness. Judges decisions are final. The Tennessee Cattle Business reserves the right to publish all or any parts of the essays submitted. Applications will be judged on the Essay (50%) and Activity in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations (50%)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Essay write an essay of 500 words or less on the following topic, How has your upbringing in the agriculture/cattle industry prepared you to further your education?
2. References obtain a letter of reference from a current or former instructor, or industry professional.
3. List participation in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations.
4. Applicant must be a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association, Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association, OR their parent or grandparent must be a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association OR Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association.
5. Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2025