Scholarships

Serving Sheep Breeders Throughout the West

2025 CSHSBA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The following individuals received scholarships from the California Suffolk & Hampshire Sheepbreeders Association:

SOPHIA BENITEZ:

Sophia is currently a student at CSU Chico where she manages the college sheep flock of over 130 ewes and has been doing so since 2023. Some of her responsibilities include lambing out over 100 ewes, planning AI days, analyzing genetic data to make breeding decisions and working with lots of different people from professors to students. Sophia has also worked on several research projects focusing on sheep nutrition during her time at CSU Chico. Prior to her attendance at CSU Chico, she was an FFA member and a graduate of Golden West High School in Visalia, CA. Sophia will graduate in 2026 and plans to continue her education by pursuing a postgraduate degree in the field of ruminant nutrition.

MATTHEW BOWMAN:

Matthew is currently a student at Modesto Junior College. Matthew started raising sheep as a 4h member during his sophomore year in high school. He was very successful with his project and enjoyed working with sheep until he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, Matt applied for the farm internship program at Modesto Junior College. He was accepted into the internship program and started working at the MJC Sheep Unit where his responsibilities included all aspects of flock management from feeding to breeding. Matthew will graduate with an Associate’s of Science degree in Animal Science in 2026. He hopes to build his club lamb business and be successful in the sheep industry.

EMMA REIS:

Emma began raising sheep at the ripe old age of nine where she was a member of 4h and showed at Yolo County fair and the Spring Fair. She is a graduate of Pioneer High School. Emma loves all aspects of raising sheep and credits her sheep projects with helping build personal skills like responsibility, dedication and determination. Upon completion of high school, Emma applied to Modesto Junior College and the agriculture internship program. She was accepted into the program and currently lives and works on the West Campus Agriculture Farm where she assists at the Sheep Unit. Emma will graduate from MJC in the spring of 2026 and she plans on transferring to Cal Poly, San Luis O’bispo where she will continue to study agriculture.

JESSIE DAVIS:

Jessie is a graduate of Merrill West High School in Tracy, CA and a first generation college student. During her time in high school as an FFA member, Jessie raised 2 market lambs and showed breeding sheep for San Joaquin County Ag Fest. She credits her sheep projects for teaching her many things including patience and responsibility and the importance of planning. She also gained a deeper understanding of animal nutrition, genetics and long term animal care. Jessie will transfer to CSU Chico this fall and will major in Animal Science with a focus on pre-veterinary science. Her long-term career goal is to become a veterinarian specializing in food animals.

Reno All-American Sale Credit Scholarship

Applications may be turned in at the Reno Show and Sale to any board member.
Applications Due May 30th, 2025

Application - pdf

Application - word

Fred & Marion Coble Scholarship

California Suffolk & Hampshire Sheep Breeders Association Annual Scholarship
Application Due May 15th, 2025

Application - pdf

Application - word

1. Eligibility
a. High school graduating senior to an accredited Junior College or four-year University or State College.
b. Student currently enrolled in an accredited Jr. College or four-year University or State College.
c.Proof of acceptance or enrollment.
d. Must have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0

2. Announcement
a. Scholarship applications are due to CSHSBA by May 15th, 2025.
b.The application is available online.

3. Qualifications
a.Involvement with the Suffolk/Hampshire Breed.
* Applicant in breeding programs will be selected over applicants with market lamb projects.
* Applicant must be involved with Suffolk/Hampshire Breed Industry.
* Applicant must be a member or part of a family membership of CS & HSBA.
b. Extra Curricular Activities
* 4-H
* FFA
c.Scholastic Achievement
* scholarship based on merit, not exclusively on financial need.
d. Scholarship can not be presented again to previous recipent.
e. Evaluation of candidate:
*60% Project, 20% Extra Curricular, 20% Scholastic ability