This scholarship will be available to students preparing to graduate from high school as well as students who are currently attending a post-secondary college, university, or technical school pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field with a strong desire to return to rural Iowa upon completion of that degree. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a high school or home school program in Cherokee, Ida, Buena Vista, O’Brien, Plymouth, or Woodbury Counties. 

Applications and eligibility guidelines will be made available on December 1, 2023, Students must provide a completed application, written essay, references, and a letter of recommendation. Selected applicants will participate in a face to face conversation with the Cherokee Rodeo Scholarship Committee. Successful recipients and all other applicants may re-apply and be added to the new pool for the opportunity to be awarded this scholarship in the future.  

Cherokee Rodeo, Inc., is an Iowa non-profit corporation, that promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly rodeo experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Iowa youth, showcases Midwestern livestock heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. “We want our rural young people to come back home, have an opportunity to make a good living, and raise a family here. Northwest Iowa is agriculture-driven, and without a strong agriculture economy, our rural communities fail to thrive”, says Sheryl Leonard, President of the Cherokee Rodeo board. “Our vision for the future of this scholarship program includes the possibility of offering start-up grants for new agriculture businesses or down payment loans for new purchases of properties. This scholarship will help kick off our vision for giving young people the opportunity of a future in agriculture here in northwest Iowa”.

Thank you to These SPONSORS

Gold Buckle Sponsors

C & B Operations

State Savings Bank

Silver Buckle Sponsors

Central Bank & Insure

Beck Hybrids

Foundation Analytical Lab

Table Sponsors

J & K Insurance and Real Estate

Leonard Limousin & Angus

Dessel Tax

North Star CCU

KCHE

Barnes Rodeo

Garrett Ogren

Lange Show Cattle

Aaron & Nancy Woltman

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

New Reflections/Schulenberg Farms

Ed & Nancy Nelson

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce

Berning Cattle Company

Lowell & Paula Klindt

Poet Bioprocessing