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Story by Ella Stiefvater

An undergraduate student in �ձ�av��Ƶ's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has received a prestigious Certified Angus Beef award. 

Olivia Hadrick was among 17 students nationwide to receive undergraduate awards based on leadership, academics and involvement in the beef industry. 

The Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship Fund recognizes outstanding students studying animal and meat sciences and provides funds for their education “to benefit tomorrow’s leaders who are involved in their communities and the beef industry.” 

“Seeing these students pursue their passions in agriculture is truly inspiring,” said Danielle Matter, Certified Angus Beef director of content strategy. “Each scholarship recipient is not only talented and driven but also represents the innovation, leadership and dedication that will shape the future of the beef industry. We’re proud to support their journey and excited to see the impact they’ll make for years to come.” 

Hadrick was named the top scholarship winner of the Colvin Production Agriculture Scholarship and awarded $7,500. The focus of this scholarship area is to support students whose career goals include working in production agriculture like a farm, ranch or feedyard. 

A sophomore animal science major, Hadrick grew up on a ranch near Faulkton, South Dakota. She said her family’s goal is to raise the best quality beef possible from their herd of 350 head of Black Angus. Their vision has led to a special connection to the brand. 

“We have worked a lot with Certified Angus Beef, we’ve got the logo painted on our barn, we’ve hosted chefs from across the nation to learn about our ranch thanks to Certified Angus Beef," Hadrick said. “It had a huge impact on me and became one of the reasons I applied for the scholarship. They’re genuinely really incredible people.” 

A third-generation Jackrabbit, Hadrick said her family’s connection to �ձ�av��Ƶ was just one of the reasons she chose to come to Brookings. 

“�ձ�av��Ƶ has really become another home to me. The faculty, the staff and the friends I’ve made have made it feel like home,” Hadrick said. “I know (at �ձ�av��Ƶ) I’m meeting peers who will be industry leaders in South Dakota in the future, and those connections are something I'll have for the rest of my life.” 

After graduation, Hadrick plans to return to the family ranch in the future and focus on sire selection to continue enhancing the genetic potential of their herd. 

In late September, Hadrick attended the annual Certified Angus Beef conference in Austin, Texas. While at the conference, she spoke on a panel along with two other scholarship recipients about several topics including her involvement in producing beef and the importance of Beef Quality Assurance.