OCIA Nebraska Vice-President Rick Schuchardt, an organic farmer from Elgin, presents a scholarship to Gretchen Anthony, a senior at Johnson-Brock High School. While receiving the check and certificate, Anthony, who lives and works on a farm, said, “Farmers feed America. Agriculture is my passion and organic methods minimize use of resources and is better for the environment.”
Carson Reiman
Gretchen Anthony, Brock, and Carson Reiman, Cozad, have been named the 2026 scholarship winners of Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Nebraska Chapter.
Anthony, a senior at Johnson-Brock High School, is vice-president of her FFA Chapter, a member of the National Honor Society, active in track and field and volleyball, and works at the Arbor Manor Restaurant and Motel along with pitching in on the family farm. She plans to major in agribusiness at Northwest Missouri State University this fall.
Reiman, a senior at Gothenburg High School, is president of his FFA Chapter, past president of the Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, and a football, cross country, wrestling and track competitor. He works at Bayer Cropscience in Gothenburg, has launched a business called Reiman Spuds, and is an intern with Farmacy Seed and Chemical. He plans to major in agronomy in college.
Prospective graduating high school students active in FFA, planning to continue their educations, and who show a strong interest in organic production practices are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. See the OCIA Nebraska website for details.
The Nebraska chapter is a membership organization, now numbering sixty-four organic farmers, focused on environmentally sound stewardship, mentorship, sharing of best practices, and the promotion of certified organic production.
For more information, contact Kim Mosel, OCIA Nebraska Program Administrator, 402-620-2701, ociane1@yahoo.com, follow on Facebook, or see www.nebraskaocia.org. On the web site, see informational videos about organic production practices funded by USDA TOPP.