Scholarship Money

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Scholarships

In 2024, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is rewarding three scholarships to students pursuing an agriculture-related education. These scholarships are the:

  • Original Nevada Cattlemen's Association Scholarship
  • Marvel/Andrae Scholarship – which was first offered in 2020
  • Walt Leberski Memorial Scholarship — first offered, this year 2024

Scholarship application forms are available for download below and are also available at the NCA office. Applicants may also call the NCA office at (775) 738-9214 or send a request to [email protected].

Students and Educators interested in these great scholarship opportunities are encouraged to contact the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association if they would like more information.

General eligibility and application requirements for each scholarship are below. The requirements are subject to change or modification. Please review the requirements and information included on the application form.


2024 NCA Scholarship

The NCA Scholarship will be awarded to a first-year college student beginning to pursue an education within the agricultural industry. This scholarship is open to all Nevada High School graduating seniors planning to attend a community college or four-year college/university and majoring in an agriculture related field. The amount of this scholarship for 2024 will be $1,500!.

Eligibility & application requirements for the 2024 NCA Scholarship include:

  • Applicant must be a senior graduating from a Nevada High School.
  • Applicant must plan to attend a Community College or a 4-year College/University.
  • Applicant must be seeking a degree in an agricultural related field.
  • Applicant must have at least a 2.5 GPA. A copy of the student’s official transcripts is required.
  • Applicant must submit a cover letter describing themselves and how your future plans tie into the future of the cattle industry, background in the beef industry, and how this scholarship may benefit you, etc.

Completed applications are due April 3, 2024.

 2024 NCA Scholarship Application

2024 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship

The NCA is also pleased to be able to continue to offer the Marvel/Andrae Scholarship, which is available to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in college. To be eligible, students must be pursuing a degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business, or the animal/meat science fields. The 2024 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship award will be $2,500!

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank Agri Beef for their continued support of the Marvel/Andrae Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes the legacies of Tom & Rosita Marvel and Jim & Sharon Andrae and the many contributions these two Nevada ranching families have made to our industry.

Eligibility & application requirements for the 2024 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship include:

  • Applicant must plan to attend or be currently attending a Community College or a 4-year College/University.
  • Applicant must be from Nevada and pursuing a degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business, or the animal/meat science fields.
  • Applicant must have at least a 2.8 GPA. A copy of the student’s official transcripts is required.
  • Students that were previous recipients of the NCA Scholarship and meet the eligibility requirements of the Marvel-Andrae Scholarship are eligible to apply.
  • Applicant must submit a cover letter describing themselves, background, goals, future plans, and how this scholarship may benefit them, etc…

Completed applications are due April 3, 2024.

2024 MARVEL/ANDRAE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

2024 Walt Leberski Memorial Scholarship

The NCA is pleased to announce a third 2024 scholarship opportunity in memory of Walt Leberski. 

The Walt Leberski Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors planning to attend a community college or four-year university or students currently enrolled in college. The amount of this scholarship for 2024 will be $5,000!!

Eligibility & application requirements for the Walt Leberski Memorial Scholarship include:

  • Applicant must be born in Nevada and has or will be graduating from a Nevada High School. 
  •  Applicant must plan to attend or be currently attending a Community College, University, or Trade School.
  • Applicant must be pursuing a degree or certificate in agricultural related field. 
  • Applicant must have at least a 2.8 GPA. A copy of the student’s transcripts is required. 
  • Students that were previous recipients of the NCA Scholarship or Marvel-Andrae Scholarship will be eligible to apply for the Walt Leberski Memorial Scholarship.
  • Applicant must submit a cover letter describing themselves, background, goals, future plans, and how this scholarship may benefit them, etc…

Completed applications are due April 3, 2024.

 2024 WALT LEBERSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION



2023 Scholarship Recipients Announced

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Research and Education Committee is pleased to announce four scholarship recipients for 2023. The NCA would like to congratulate Jackson Dahl of Ruby Valley, NV and Madison Wachtel of Wells, NV for being selected as the 2023 NCA Scholarship recipients. We would also like to congratulate Anthony Barnes from Jiggs, NV and Kerstyn Countryman from Washoe Valley, NV for being selected as the 2023 Marvel- Andrae Scholarship recipients.


Madison Wachtel 2023 NCA Scholarship Recipient

Madison Wachtel

Wells, Nevada
2023 NCA Scholarship Recipient

Madison Wachtel recently graduated from Wells High School and will be attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston later this fall to pursue a degree in Agriculture Education. Madison has been actively engaged in several organizations throughout her high school career including FFA, 4-H, and the American Quarter Horse Youth Association. While earning her degree, Madison plans to ride for the school’s Division 2 National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s western team. After earning her degree, she hopes to become a teacher and FFA Advisor.

Jackson Dahl 2023 NCA Scholarship Recipient

Jackson Dahl

Ruby Valley, Nevada
2023 NCA Scholarship Recipient

Jackson Dahl recently graduated from the Northeastern Nevada Virtual Academy and will be attending Brigham Young University, Idaho where he will be pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business. Jackson is actively involved in his family’s cattle ranch as well as the Ruby Valley 4-H Club and Wells FFA. He hopes to return to his family’s ranch upon completion of his Agricultural Business degree with an understanding of sound business practices that will guide his family’s operation for generations to come.

Anthony Barnes 2023 Marvel/Andrea Scholarship Recipient

Anthony Barnes

 Jiggs, Nevada
2023 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship Recipient

Anthony Barnes is currently attending Colorado State University where he is majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. During his college career, Anthony has been a part of the CSU Livestock Judging Team and an active member of the Alpha Gama Rho Fraternity where he serves as the chapter’s scholarship chair. Anthony looks forward to returning to his family’s ranch after graduating utilizing the tools, knowledge, and networking gained during his college career to increase awareness among producers, consumers, and political leaders about the issues the agriculture industry is facing.

Kerstyn Countryman 2023 Marvel/Andrea Scholarship Recipient

Kerstyn Countryman

Washoe Valley, Nevada
2023 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship Recipient

Kerstyn Countryman is currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno where she majors in Veterinary Science. Growing up on her family ranch sparked her passion for caring for animals. Kerstyn will be beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program later this fall at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of her DVM, she plans to complete a few internships and a residency to become board certified in neurology and hopes to complete her Ph.D. so she can teach while completing research. Kerstyn ultimately plans to conduct neurological research on cattle to improve cattle management practices as well as clinical neurology on equine and small animals..