Land O’Lakes is excited to recognize three exceptional student recipients of the Land O’Lakes Direct Member Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to three students, who are graduating high school seniors and current undergraduates with familial ties to current direct producer members, to contribute to their higher education expenses for the fall semester. 

This year’s recipients are planning to attend or currently attending four-year programs within the U.S. where they seek to further their passions in agricultural business, architecture and veterinarian sciences. The scholarship continues to be a testament to Land O’Lakes’ commitment to empowering future leaders and supporting all educational pathways including two-year programs and technical schools. Notably, recipients from 2024 and 2019 went to technical colleges. 

The 2026 recipients displayed outstanding academic achievement and involvement in volunteerism and community engagement.

David Cox, son of Tony and Elsa Cox, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

David Cox is going into his second year at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business. David went to high school in Riverdale, California, where he was the captain of both the baseball and basketball teams, participated in his local FFA chapter and volunteered in his community. During his time in high school, he held leadership positions within the student body and the California Scholarship Federation.

At Cal Poly, David participates in his school’s agricultural clubs and works at the Cal Poly Creamery as a production assistant. Growing up surrounded by his family’s dairy business has both inspired his career path and taught him the hard work and responsibility needed to manage a business of his own.

“After my education, I would like to start my own dairy business in the Central Valley and be a direct shipper to the Land O’Lakes plant in Tulare, as my family does now,” David says. 

Lucas Pritzl, grandson of Charles and Julie Feider, Iowa State University

Lucas Pritzl is going into his second year at Iowa State University where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Lucas went to high school in Howards Grove, Wisconsin, where he was the captain of the soccer team and played baseball. He was also involved with the National Honor Society and volunteered as a teaching aid and soccer coach. 

Lucas hopes to use his degree to become a computer-aided designer. He aspires to create designs and contribute to projects that improve the lives of those who interact with them. 

“While in college, I want to not only grow as a student but also as a person. As I continue to grow professionally, I want to take on more responsibilities and move into higher roles within a company,” Lucas says. 

Kennason Ware, granddaughter of Terry and Nancy Stauffer, Lubbock Christian University

Kennason Ware graduated from high school in Atglen, Pennsylvania, where she was the captain of the soccer team and a starter for the basketball team. She held leadership positions within the National Honor Society and her local FFA chapter and was deeply involved in her faith community. 

Kennason plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at Lubbock Christian University, then earn a doctorate in veterinary science. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm sparked her passion for animals and taught her the importance of keeping a farmer’s herd, and their companion animals, healthy. 

“Because service has always been important to me, I hope to use my professional knowledge to serve my community through compassionate and accessible animal care,” Kennason says. 

Congratulations to the 2026 Direct Member Scholarship winners! See 2025’s recipients here.