National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs
By National Dairy Shrine
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to National Dairy Shrine scholarships, awards, and youth programs. Learn about $45,000+ in annual scholarships, Hall of Fame recognition, and...
Quick Snapshot
National Dairy Shrine is the premier dairy heritage organization in North America, recognizing outstanding dairy industry contributions through its Hall of Fame while investing in future leaders through $45,000+ in annual scholarships.
Overview
Founded in 1949, National Dairy Shrine has grown to nearly 19,000 lifetime members representing all facets of the dairy industry. The organization serves as both a Hall of Fame honoring dairy pioneers and a youth development organization investing in future leaders.
The Shrine's scholarship program awards over $45,000 annually to approximately 38 dairy students at universities and technical schools across the country. Throughout its history, the organization has provided more than 1,000 scholarships totaling over $1 million.
The National Dairy Shrine Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, houses the Hall of Fame portraits, historical dairy equipment, and exhibits celebrating dairy heritage. The museum partners with the Hoard Historical Museum and serves as a destination for dairy enthusiasts and history lovers.
Ideal Users
Farm Types: All dairy operations—conventional, organic, grazing
Audience: Dairy students, young professionals, established producers, industry leaders, dairy enthusiasts
Key Roles: Students, educators, breeders, processors, marketers, researchers
Geographic Focus: United States and Canada
Key Features
Comprehensive Scholarship Program
Ten scholarship categories covering freshmen through graduate students, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000
National Dairy Hall of Fame
Prestigious recognition for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the dairy industry
Youth Recognition Programs
Student Recognition Awards, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder awards, and Progressive Dairy Manager recognition
Heritage Preservation
Museum housing historical artifacts, champion cow galleries, and pioneer dairyman exhibits
Industry Networking
Annual awards banquet at World Dairy Expo connecting students with industry leaders
Advanced Capabilities
Distinguished Award Programs
Guest of Honor, Pioneer, and Hall of Fame inductions recognizing lifetime achievement
Progressive Dairy Manager
Recognition for outstanding herd management practices and innovation
Student Recognition Award
University-nominated awards for graduating seniors planning dairy industry careers
Dairy Production Scholarship
Unique program supporting students returning to work on dairy farms after graduation
Scholarship Programs
Graduate Level
Kildee Graduate Scholarship - Up to 2 awards at $3,000 each for post-graduate study. Eligible: Top 25 All-American dairy judging contestants or Platinum winners in Dairy Challenge.
Undergraduate Level
| Program | Level | Award Amount |
|---------|-------|--------------|
| Merton Sowerby Junior Merit | Juniors | $1,500 (1st) / $1,000 (4) |
| Mike Lancaster Sophomore | Sophomores | $1,500 (1st) / $1,000 (5) |
| DMI Education & Communication | Soph/Jr | $1,500 (1st) / $1,000 (5) |
| DMI Milk Marketing | Soph/Jr | $1,500 (1st) / $1,000 (4) |
| Maurice E. Core Freshman | Freshmen | $1,000 (up to 4) |
| Marshall McCullough Communications | Freshmen | $1,000 (up to 2) |
| Dairy Production Scholarship | Final Year | $2,500 (up to 4) |
| Iager Dairy Scholarship | 2nd Year Tech | $1,000 (up to 2) |
Selection Criteria
Pricing
Model: Membership-Based with Scholarship Opportunities
Membership Options
| Type | Cost | Benefits |
|------|------|----------|
| Lifetime Membership | $100 | One-time fee for permanent membership, voting rights, newsletter, event access |
| Junior Membership | $25 | For youth under 21; full membership privileges |
Scholarship Funding
| Category | Annual Awards | Range |
|----------|---------------|-------|
| Total Distributed | $45,000+ | Across 38+ recipients |
| Individual Awards | 10+ programs | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Application Period | March 1 - April 15 | Free to apply |
Value Proposition
Contact: exec.director@dairyshrine.org | dairyshrine.org
Getting Started
Timeline: Scholarship applications open March 1, due April 15 annually
Application Process:
Tips for Success:
Training & Support
Resources: Scholarship application guides, award history, Hall of Fame biographies
Community: 19,000+ lifetime members, annual awards banquet networking
Events: National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet at World Dairy Expo
Evaluation Questions
Recommended Reading
Key Features
- 12+ Scholarship Programs Across All Academic Levels: Comprehensive scholarship offerings from freshman ($1,000 Maurice Core) through graduate level ($3,000 Kildee). Includes specialized tracks for communications, marketing, dairy production, and showing. Over $45,000 awarded annually to 38+ recipients.
- National Dairy Hall of Fame & Recognition Programs: Three tiers of lifetime achievement recognition: Guest of Honor, Pioneer, and Hall of Fame inductions. Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder and Progressive Dairy Manager awards recognize excellence in specific areas.
- Student Recognition Award Program: University-nominated graduating seniors receive $1,000-$2,000 based on leadership, academic achievement, dairy industry commitment, and extracurricular involvement. Up to 6 students recognized annually.
- National Dairy Shrine Museum: 10,000+ sq ft facility in Fort Atkinson, WI featuring Hall of Fame portraits, 9 decades of champion cow photos, historical equipment from milk stools to dog-powered butter churns, and pioneer dairyman audio exhibits.
- Annual Awards Banquet at World Dairy Expo: Flagship networking event bringing 500+ attendees including scholarship recipients, Hall of Fame inductees, industry executives, and dairy leaders. Premier venue for career connections.
- Young Dairy Leaders Program: Emerging leader recognition connecting youth with established industry mentors. Pathway to future Hall of Fame consideration and industry leadership.
Advanced Features
- Kildee Graduate Scholarship ($3,000): Highest academic award for post-graduate dairy study. Eligibility: Top 25 All-American contestants in Intercollegiate Dairy Judging OR Platinum winners in National Dairy Challenge within past 3 years.
- Dairy Production Scholarship ($2,500): Cargill-sponsored award for final-year students returning to work on dairy farms. Requires advisor nomination. Addresses critical industry need for on-farm management talent.
- Klussendorf/McKown Scholarships: Seven awards annually (3 Kampf fund + 4 McKown fund) for students with dairy cattle showing interest. Open to U.S. and Canadian students—the only Shrine scholarship accepting international applicants.
- DMI Partnership Scholarships: Dairy Management Inc. sponsors two scholarship tracks: Education & Communication ($1,000-$1,500) and Milk Marketing & Dairy Products ($1,000-$1,500). Focus on promotion and product development careers.
- Campaign75 Endowment Initiative: 75th anniversary sustainability campaign building permanent endowment to ensure scholarships continue indefinitely. Donor recognition at multiple giving levels.
- State Dairy Shrine Chapters: Regional chapters (Maryland, California, etc.) offer additional scholarships and recognition programs. State chapters nominate candidates for national honors.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Conventional dairy, Organic dairy, Grazing operations
Competitive Advantages
What sets National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs apart from alternatives:
- Largest dairy scholarship program: 12+ programs awarding $45,000+ annually
- Most prestigious dairy recognition: Hall of Fame is industry's highest honor
- 75+ years of continuous operation since 1949
- 19,000 lifetime members creating unmatched networking opportunities
- Only U.S. organization with Kildee scholarship for graduate-level dairy study
- Annual banquet at World Dairy Expo provides premier career connections
- Museum preserves 150+ years of dairy heritage with unique artifacts
- Student Recognition Award is university-nominated for highest credibility
- Campaign75 ensures scholarship sustainability for future generations
- Klussendorf/McKown accepts Canadian students for international reach
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs:
One-time $100 lifetime membership provides permanent benefits. Junior membership $25 for youth under 21. All scholarship applications are free with over $45,000 awarded annually across 12+ programs.
Pricing Model: Lifetime membership + free scholarship applications
Applications free. One transcript covers multiple scholarship applications. Students may receive same scholarship only once but can apply to different programs in subsequent years. 2.5 GPA minimum for most programs.
Pros & Considerations
- Honors dairy heritage
- Scholarship programs
- Industry recognition
- Youth development support
- Historical preservation
- Application processes
- Competitive awards
- Limited funding
- Volunteer organization
Implementation & Setup
How to implement National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Scholarship applications open March 1, due April 15 annually
Training & Support
Training and support options available for National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating National Dairy Shrine Scholarships & Programs:
- Am I planning a career in the dairy industry?
- What scholarship programs match my academic level?
- How can I strengthen my scholarship application?
- Would I benefit from lifetime membership networking?
- How do I nominate someone for Hall of Fame recognition?