Peoria County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships HAVE CLOSED
The Peoria County Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors one-year scholarships to students planning to study agriculture and related fields.
The scholarships are awarded to students residing in Peoria County that have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a trade school, Community College, Four-Year University, or Graduated School. Students are judged on participation in agricultural events, 4-H, and interest in agriculture.
A student can receive a scholarship from the Peoria County Farm Bureau Foundation only one time.
The top scholarship winner each year will receive the Patrick Kirchhofer Scholarship in Patrick’s memory.
Former Peoria County Farm Bureau manager, Patrick Kirchhofer, passed away on Monday, November 11th, 2024. Patrick served as the manager of Peoria County Farm Bureau for 29 years. Prior to his time in Peoria, he served as the manager for Stark and Edgar County Farm Bureau.
Patrick grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Shumway, Illinois in Effingham County. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from the University of Illinois in 1987, and he graduated high school at Beecher City in 1983.
Patrick devoted his life to agriculture and the Farm Bureau. He gave more than was required as a Farm Bureau manager in so many ways. Patrick traveled to places to study the diversity of agriculture beyond what is here in Illinois, and he shared his experiences with farmers in Peoria county. Patrick was constantly working to better himself. He attended conferences, read articles, and took the opportunities that were offered to him. He was trusted by the media and always made himself available to reporters. His interviewing skills were top notch, and the agriculture community could always rely on Patrick to provide a truthful and intelligent interview. Patrick was a leader in the community, and a voice for agriculture. His faith in God, belief in the rural way of life, and love for farming benefitted all those he worked with or encountered.
Patrick’s kindness and willingness to help others will be greatly missed by the entire Farm Bureau system, especially Peoria County.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Emily Budde
Emily is the daughter of Steven and Kristin Budde. Emily is a 2020 graduate of Dunlap High School and a second-year veterinary student at the University of Illinois. In explaining her reasoning for selecting an agricultural related career field, Emily says, “I grew up loving animals and helping on my grandfather’s farm. My passion for veterinary medicine, as I worked at a vet clinic and shadowed several vets, flourished. Veterinary medicine and working with animals always brightens my day.” Emily is the first recipient of the Patrick Kirchhofer Scholarship. Congratulations to Emily!
Mackenzie Jenkins
Mackenzie is the daughter of Stefanie Hunt. Mackenzie is a 2025 graduate of Brimfield High School. When asking Mackenze about her career goals she states, “My career goal is to be an equine dentist. I want to be one because I knew growing up, I wanted to be in something that involves horses. When the equine dentist comes out it’s very interesting to watch and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.” Mackenzie has grown up around horses and has shown in POA for 14 years. Congratulations Mackenzie!
Paige Wessels
Paige is the daughter of Matthew and Heather Wessels. Paige will be graduating from Dunlap High School and will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall to study Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. When asked about career goals Paige says, “I hope to secure a position that allows me to support myself and potential family while also being able to educate the public about farming innovations and challenges.” Congratulations Paige!
Slone Windish
Slone is the son of Matt Windish and Heather Morey. He is a graduate of Elmwood High School and attends Illinois Central College and is a member of the livestock judging team. Slone states, “Agriculture is my passion and growing up in agriculture and the swine industry has helped me meet a lot of new people. The reason I enjoy it is because within the livestock side of things I enjoy informing people on where their food comes from and educating them on how it is produced.” Slone has applied and has been accepted to continue his studies at Western Illinois University. Congratulations Slone!
Zach Zimmermann
Zach is the son of Adam and Penny Zimmermann. Zach is a 2025 graduate of Brimfield High School and a four-year member of Brimfield FFA. Zach plans to attend a four-year university to study mechanical engineering. According to Zach, “I chose a career field that related to the agricultural industry because I want to contribute to the most critical sector of our country’s economy and life. Another reason for my choosing is that I would be able to contribute to the lives of the people in my hometown who helped to shape my future.” Congratulations Zach!
Want to make a donation?
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Peoria County Farm Bureau office.
Please make checks payable to PCFB Foundation.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
University of Illinois Agriculture Scholarships
Bennie L Johnson Scholarship: One $1000 scholarship awarded to a College of ACES student from Peoria or Knox Counties, with a preference given to a student active in the 4-H program. Funding in memory of Bennie Johnson, a lifelong farmer in Peoria and Knox County, who was an active 4-H Club leader and University of Illinois Extension member.
Gordon E. and Doris L. Thompson Scholarship: One or more scholarships of varying amounts to College of ACES students from Knox or Peoria Counties, with preference given to graduates of Knoxville or Elmwood High Schools. Funds provided by Gordon Thompson, a 1941 graduate of the College of Agriculture, and his wife, Lee, a graduate of Millikin University.
Compeer Financial Scholarships
Compeer Financial believes in a strong future for agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s High School Senior Scholarship Program awards $1,500 scholarships to students based on a combination of academic achievement, agricultural and community youth organization involvement and essay.
State of Illinois Agriculture Scholarships
The office of the Illinois State Treasurer offers ten $2,500 Scholarships through the Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program to Illinois High School Seniors. The scholarships are funded through the Bright Start College Savings Program, which is a tax-exempt 529 college savings plan administered by the Treasurer’s Office.
Eligible students must: have a minimum 2.75 grade point average, have already been accepted to an accredited higher education institution in Illinois by May 15, and plan to pursue an agriculture-related major.
Students must also submit a completed application, which is available at schools, farm bureaus or the offices of local state legislators. You can also find an application on the Treasurer’s website www.treasurer.il.gov or call 217-557-6436.
National FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program
Each year the National FFA Organization awards more than $2 million in scholarships to members. Scholarships are given for a wide variety of experiences, career goals, and higher education plans. Grades are important, but the FFA combination takes into account the whole you. Your community service. Your FFA involvement. Your leadership skills. Your SAE. Talk with your FFA advisor and apply now. Go to the National FFA organization website for more information and an application. Application deadline is February 15.
Balloon Association of Greater Illinois
The Balloon Association of Greater Illinois (BAGI) has established $500 scholarships as part of the Landowner Relations Program within the club. Members wanted to thank the farming community for allowing balloons to launch from or land on their property and to encourage and support young people who have chosen agriculture as their vocation. The program has been a good partnership between the farming community and balloonists. Past recipients’ areas of interest include veterinary medicine, agronomy, agribusiness, and agricultural engineering. To access the eligibility requirements or application go to http://www.bagiballoon.org/ or call the Vermillion County Farm Bureau at (217) 442-8713 or Larry Owens at (217) 304-0827.