UnitedAg is recognizing 40 recipients of the 2026 UnitedAg Agricultural Education Foundation Scholarship Program, representing agricultural companies throughout California and Arizona. This year, UnitedAg’s Education Committee awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, recognizing individuals who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to advancing the agricultural industry.
Among the top recipients of the educational scholarships are:
- Marcus Montgomery of Almont Orchard Inc, awarded the Maurice McMillan Scholarship
- Carl Nielsen of Bullet Ranches Inc, recipient of the William C. Goodrich Scholarship
- Madison Williams of Moovin Transport Inc, who received the Women in Agriculture Scholarship
- Cristian Vargas of Braga Fresh Family Farms and Wyatt Davidson of UnitedAg, both recipients of the Alex Drollinger Award. Their academic achievements and dedication to agriculture embody the values and emerging leadership UnitedAg aims to cultivate through this program.
The vocational scholarship winners include:
- Laura Bucio of Rancho Guadalupe
- Martina Chairez of Nichols Farms
- Anjanette Niemi of Vegetable Growers Supply.
“UnitedAg’s commitment to supporting those pursuing higher education or vocational training has created meaningful pathways to advance within the agricultural industry,” says scholarship committee chair Debbie Adam. “This opportunity strengthens the future of agriculture by encouraging the development and application of the latest skills in the field.”
Since launching the program in 1989, UnitedAg has remained dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for its members and their families by providing meaningful financial support to students pursuing academic and vocational goals. This year also marks a significant milestone for the organization, as UnitedAg has now awarded $2.1 million in scholarships to over 1,200 students, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
“Investment in education and training is the most meaningful way we can support the future of agriculture,” says Kirti Mutatkar, president and CEO of UnitedAg. “These students represent the passion, talent and dedication that will drive our industry forward. We are proud to support their academic journeys and help empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
