Meet our 2023 scholarship recipients! Town & Country Supply Association awarded seven area students each with a $1,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year.
“These young leaders are impressive,” said Wes Burley, the general manager of Town & Country Supply Association. “We are honored to support them on their educational journeys.”
Town & Country Supply Association has had a scholarship program since 2010. Since then, the co-op has awarded more than $47,000 in scholarships to 55 students. Learn more here. Meet our 2023 scholarship recipients below.
Paul Bergin
Age: 18
Hometown: Melstone
Parents: Jennifer and Bill Bergin
High School: Melstone High School, Class of 2023
College: Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Degrees: Precision Agriculture; Ag Business
Activities: FFA; Business Professionals of America; Washington Leadership Conference; Basketball; Football; Cross Country; Track; Band
What agriculture means to him: Agriculture has led me to some of my greatest life lessons to date.
Career aspirations: I want to work within agriculture and help better the GPS systems and availability for farmers and ranchers all across the state.
Jacob Buessing
Age: 18
Hometown: Axtell, Kansas and Bridger
Parents: Brian and Amy Buessing
High School: Bridger High School, Class of 2023
College: Montana State University Northern, Havre, Montana
Degrees: Agricultural Technology
Activities: 4-H; FFA; basketball; football; track; academic all-state; guitar
What agriculture means to him: I grew up on a ranch raising cattle and sheep. I think because I have been involved in so many different types of agriculture, I could make a difference in today’s agricultural industry.
Career aspirations: I’m preparing to be a ranch manager or the owner of my own farm or ranch. I plan to become an expert in agriculture and find the most profitable way of growing crops and raising livestock.
Kyelynn Coombe
Age: 19
Hometown: Edgar
Parent: Christopher and Kelli Coombe
High School: Joliet High School, Class of 2022
College: Northwest College, Powell, Wyoming
Degree: Agriculture Business
Activities: Northwest College Trailblazer; Montana State FFA Officer (retired); Montana Grit and Grace Cowgirl 2022; Collegiate Block and Bridle Club; Collegiate intramural volleyball and basketball
What agriculture means to her: Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America. It is without a doubt that agriculture has shaped me into who I am today.
Career aspirations: I am preparing for a job along the lines of agriculture business in a career such as a livestock buyer or agricultural sales representative. As I continue to grow my herd and operation, I will continue to advocate for agriculture.
Kate Harkis
Age: 18
Hometown: Hardin
Parent: Kirk Harkis
High School: Custer High School, Class of 2023
College: Sheridan College, Sheridan, Wyoming
Degree: Animal Science
Activities: FFA; Business Professionals of America; hiking; kayaking; riding horses; training dogs; riding dirt bikes; reading
What agriculture means to her: I will be involved in agriculture throughout my life by working on my family’s ranch. To me, agriculture is not only producing food, but it is a way of life.
Career aspirations: I hope to make a difference in raising animals by working in livestock nutrition and production. Eventually I plan to start my own ranch.
Hannah Lowell
Age: 19
Hometown: Park City
Parents: Eric and Kristi Lowell
High School: Park City High School, Class of 2022
College: University of Montana Western, Dillon, Montana
Degree: Equine embryology; farm and ranch business
Activities: 4-H; FFA; athletics; college rodeo team; Dillon pro rodeo volunteer
What agriculture means to her: I grew up on a farm and ranch and have experienced the ups and downs of agriculture. As ag producers, we are always at the mercy of the price that someone offers us; we can never set a price for our products like other businesses do. Regardless, by going into a career in agriculture, I’ll be pursuing something I love and the people around me love.
Career aspirations: I have a passion to start an equine breeding program of my own.
Olivia Phillips
Age: 18
Hometown: Bridger
Parent: Bill Phillips
High School: Bridger High School, Class of 2023
College: Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Degree: Agriculture Extension
Activities: FFA, 4-H; FCCLA; rodeo; Student Council; Carbon County 4-H Ambassador; National Honor Society; volleyball; basketball; community service
What agriculture means to her: Pursuing a degree in Agriculture Extension will allow me a role in promoting and furthering the agriculture industry.
Career aspirations: I am excited to take an active role in continuing the growth of agriculture and to help create strong leaders and independent workers that will make a difference in agriculture for future generations.
Abby Uffelman
Age: 19
Hometown: Hardin
Parents: Scott and Crystal Uffelman
High School: Hardin High School, Class of 2022
College: Williston State College, Williston, North Dakota
Degree: Agriculture Education
Activities: Swimming; Golf; Volleyball; Cross Country; Williston State College Softball; Williston State College Agriculture Club; works at Lazy AS Farms; barista at Mojoes Coffee and Gifts; waitress and cook at Garrison Stoker Resort; boat inspector at Bighorn Conservation District
What agriculture means to her: I have always helped my dad on the farm driving tractors and so much more. Farming is family. My grandpa, who recently passed, makes me want to pursue a career in farming.
Career aspirations: I plan to teach the younger generation more and the new ways of farming. Hopefully someday I can take over my dad’s farm.
