Eastwood, Ky. – The Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association (KySGGA) has announced that it will be creating a scholarship in honor of a notable Kentucky farmer. The Don Halcomb Memorial Scholarship for Community Leadership through Agriculture will be available for the 2020/2021 school year and awarded to a student pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field from an accredited college, university or trade school in any location.

Halcomb, who deided on Jan. 16, 2019, was one of the leading advocates in the Bluegrass State in wheat and small grain research, variety development and more sustainable growing practices such as no-till farming and grower education. The Schochoh-based producer organized the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association in 1989 and then chaired the Kentucky Small Grain Promotion Council from 1994 until his death.

“He was a gentleman and amazing thought leader,” said Laura Knoth, executive director of KySGGA in an email. “It was a pleasure working with him. I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to know him and to be able to help honor him with this scholarship.”

The scholarship will award $1,000 for a high school senior entering college and $1,000 for a current undergraduate or graduate student. The students must reside in Kentucky and be pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field.

“This scholarship is meant to encourage young people to get out of their comfort zones, broaden their view of the world, and use that knowledge and understanding to grow their communities.” said Sam Halcomb, Don’s son and production manager at Walnut Grove Farms, their seventh-generation family farm in Schochoh, located 50 miles north of Nashville, Tenn. “Those qualities are what dad really strived for.”

The KySGGA states that the award recipients should exemplify and continue Halcomb’s legacy of leaving the world a better place for those he or she may never meet.

Applications are due in the KySGGA office on June 15. Scholarship winners will be announced before Aug.  1. Awards will be sent directly to the winners’ accredited institution before the fall semester begins and may be used for tuition, housing, books and other educational expenses. 

Questions should be directed to KySGGA at 800-326-0906 or laura@kysmallgrains.org.