Merced Farm Bureau Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Merced County Farm Bureau
Overview
The Merced County Farm Bureau is committed to investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. In 2025 the Merced County Farm Bureau Scholarship Committee distributed $32,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors enrolled in agricultural programs across the county. For questions, contact Alexxis at arudich@mercedfarmbureau.org.
Merced Farm Bureau Scholarship
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who reside in Merced County and actively participate in a local FFA or 4‑H chapter. Applicants must be planning to pursue a career in agriculture.
Arthur R. Nutcher Scholarship
In memory of Arthur R. Nutcher (1946–2017), the Nutcher family, in partnership with the Merced County Farm Bureau, funds two scholarships for Merced County high school seniors:
- One award is reserved for a student who will enroll in Merced College’s certificate programs in Mechanized Agriculture Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, or Compact Power Equipment.
- The other award is for a graduating FFA member who intends to pursue a career in agriculture.
Farm Workers’ Children Scholarship
Purpose: This award supports high school seniors who are children of farm employees. The scholarship was originally funded through the Alien Legalization for Agriculture (ALFA) program; when ALFA ended, remaining funds were redirected to educational assistance for farm employees’ children.
Requirements:
- Candidate must be the child of a farm worker.
- Plan to enroll at an accredited university, community college, or trade school.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Applicants do not need to be planning a career in agriculture.
Selection for this scholarship is made by the Merced County Farm Bureau Scholarship Committee and is based on academic performance, financial need, aptitude, and demonstrated commitment to family and the community.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Scholarship
This scholarship is open to:
- A graduating 4‑H or FFA student,
- A Merced College student continuing their agricultural education, or
- A Master’s student who is currently employed in the agricultural industry or whose graduate study focuses on agriculture.
If you have questions about any of these scholarships, please email Alexxis at arudich@mercedfarmbureau.org.