ISDA recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and acknowledging leaders in the industry. Below, you will find more information about our scholarships and awards.
ISDA will be awarding 14 college scholarships of $500 each for the 2025 fall semester. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be the child or grandchild of a current ISDA member OR be an employee or the child of an employee on a dairy farm which belongs to ISDA. Applicants must also be attending college full time (or plan to attend full time). For questions, contact Mariah Busta, ISDA Executive Director at mariahbusta@iowadairy.org or (563) 449-2414.
The Ralph Keeling Leadership Award is presented annually to an Iowan who has shown outstanding leadership in Iowa's dairy industry. This award is in honor of the late Ralph Keeling. Keeling operated a successful dairy farm and business, devoting much of his time and talents to progressing Iowa's dairy industry. The Award was established in 1967 to recognize those individuals whose leadership efforts contribute significantly to Iowa's dairy industry.
The 2022 recipients of The Ralph Keeling Leadership Award are Dave Brown and Joe Simon.
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right, and go above and beyond as environmental stewards and animal caretakers. It is an opportunity to tell the story of responsible livestock farming in Iowa, and highlight the families who make it so successful.
The award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Ag Radio Network, is made possible through the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. It’s named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who created the award.
