Land O’Lakes is proud to recognize three exceptional students from the class of 2025 with the Land O’Lakes Direct Member Scholarship, which will contribute to their higher education expenses for the fall semester. 

Every year, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to three college students with familial ties to current direct producer members. While this year’s recipients are set to attend four-year programs, winners in 2024 and 2019 attended technical colleges. This scholarship continues to be testament to our commitment to supporting students pursuing a range of educational pathways, including programs at two-year, four-year and technical schools. 

This year’s recipients’ roots in agriculture have nurtured their educational pursuits and career ambitions. 

Dan Frericks, son of Glen and Sadie Frericks, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 

Dan Frericks went to high school in Melrose, Minnesota, where he was captain of the wrestling team, and participated in 4-H dairy judging and quiz bowl. He also served in leadership positions on the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association and Melrose FFA and the Adley Creek 4-H Club, among other activities. 

Dan will pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He hopes to attend the University of Minnesota’s veterinary school to become a food animal veterinarian, and to co-own his family’s dairy farm in the future. 

“I am interested in being both a farmer and a veterinarian because I enjoy caring for animals, and I feel called to share that passion with other farmers through veterinary care,” Dan says.  

Gracyn Shutt, granddaughter of Ronald and Jan Shutt, Delaware Valley University 

Gracyn Shutt went to high school in Newport, Pennsylvania, where she played field hockey, softball and basketball. She also cheered competitively, served as president of her school’s FFA and participated on student council and in National Honor Society. 

Gracyn will major in animal science/livestock science and management at Delaware Valley University while competing on the field hockey team. After graduation, she hopes to become a veterinary technician and a farrier for cattle. 

“My education and career goals have come from growing up on my family dairy farm and being surrounded by it my whole life makes me want to continue working in a similar field,” Gracyn says. 

Lilyanah Ribeiro, daughter of Michael and Tania Ribiero of Ribiero Dairy Farm, California Polytechnic State University: San Luis Obispo  

Lilyanah Ribeiro went to high school in Tulare, California, where she served as president of her local FFA section, and worked as a swim coach, a youth leader of the Tulare County Farm Bureau and a dairy farm bookkeeper. She also held leadership positions on her dance team and her school’s Society of Portuguese American Students, in addition to being crowned Dairy Princess for the California Milk Advisory Board. 

Lilyanah will attend California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo to study agricultural business. While she is open to various career paths, Lilyanah aspires to be a “spokesperson” for the agriculture industry to ensure its strengths are recognized and its challenges are addressed. 

“Growing up on my family’s dairy farm, I’ve seen the dedication it takes to feed the world. However, agriculture faces growing misconceptions, leaving many farmers misrepresented… I believe my experiences have set me on the path to making a lasting impact and ensuring that agriculture remains strong and respected,” Lilyanah says. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Direct Member Scholarship winners! See 2024’s recipients here.