KAWG Awards Three 2026 Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarships

The future of Kansas agriculture depends on young leaders willing to serve their communities, embrace innovation and carry on the legacy of production agriculture. This year, three Kansas students were recognized for those qualities through the 2026 Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship.

Traditionally, the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship awards one $1,000 scholarship each year to a Kansas student. However, additional generosity from the Clutter family in 2026 expanded the program. After the family donated an additional $1,000 to the scholarship fund, Kansas Wheat matched the contribution, allowing three students to each receive a $1,000 scholarship this year.

Administered by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG), the scholarship honors students pursuing careers in agriculture while recognizing Herb Clutter’s lifelong leadership and advocacy for wheat farmers.

The scholarship was established in 2009 to honor Herbert W. Clutter, a farmer from Holcomb, KS, and the first president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, established in 1948. Clutter encouraged Kansas wheat farmers to organize as a unified voice, helping lead to the formation of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers in 1952 and the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1957.

The scholarship is awarded to a college or university-bound incoming freshman from Kansas pursuing a career in agriculture. Students applying for this scholarship must complete a 400-500-word essay discussing why they chose a career path in agriculture.

Dylan Ohlde

Dylan Ohlde of Palmer, KS, plans to attend Kansas State University to study agribusiness with a minor in agronomy. Raised in a farming operation and seed business started by his great-grandfather in 1947, Ohlde said agriculture has shaped nearly every aspect of his life.

Through FFA, National Honor Society and hands-on work with Ohlde Seed, he developed a passion for helping producers improve their operations and continue adapting to the new challenges of the agricultural industry.

“Being around Ag my whole life has taught me many lessons,” Ohlde said. “It has taught me hard work, responsibility and commitment.”

Ohlde hopes to return to the family seed business after college and continue helping farmers improve crop production through agronomy, experiential learning and precision agriculture practices.

“My goal is to help farmers make the best decisions possible for their operations, so that they can be successful year after year,” Ohlde said.

Broady Goetz

Broady Goetz of Park, KS, plans to attend Kansas State University and pursue a degree in milling science & management. Growing up surrounded by wheat and corn fields on his family’s farm in western Kansas, Goetz said his agricultural experiences inspired both his work ethic and career goals.

As a longtime participant in 4-H and FFA, Goetz has been active with livestock projects, public speaking and parliamentary procedure contests. He credits those experiences with helping him develop leadership skills and a motivation to contribute to the future of food production.

“Through hands-on involvement in organizations like 4-H and FFA, agriculture has shaped my morals, instilled a relentless work ethic, and ignited a passion to contribute to sustainable food systems for future generations,” Goetz said.

Goetz hopes to combine his agricultural background with professional expertise in milling and agribusiness to help address challenges facing the food industry.

“In a world where agriculture feeds billions, I am prepared to contribute, honoring the legacy that shaped me while forging a road toward a more resilient future,” Goetz said.

Leo DeDonder

Leo DeDonder of Admire, KS, plans to attend Kansas State University to study agricultural engineering and pursue minor in agronomy. Growing up on his family’s farm near Admire, DeDonder had an early appreciation for agriculture and the value of conservation.

DeDonder said agriculture introduced him early to hard work, responsibility and innovation. His experiences range from operating his own sweet corn business, helping with planting, harvesting and cattle management on the family farm.

From FFA, 4-H, athletics and community service projects, DeDonder has stayed active in both school and agriculture while developing an interest in technology-driven farming practices.

“My passion is in improving agriculture through precision farming technologies and sustainable resource management,” DeDonder said.

He said he hopes to use precision agriculture tools such as GPS-guided equipment, soil sensors and data-driven crop management systems to improve efficiency and sustainability.

“I hope to carry forward my family’s legacy of stewardship and innovation, while developing a career and skill set that directly benefits the agricultural industry and future generations,” DeDonder said.

Learn more about the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship at kswheat.com/clutter. If you are a student passionate about agriculture and considering a future in the industry, we encourage you to apply. Interested students are also welcome to contact KAWG with questions about the application process.