Indiana high school student presented with ASA, BASF Soy Scholarship award

An honor student from Auburn, Ind., Hefty excelled academically while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities including FFA and 4-H. She serves on VOICE Youth Philanthropy Board of DeKalb and as the DeKalb County Commission Youth Board member. Hefty has earned many awards, recognitions and the respect of her peers and advisors, Steinkamp said.

“When not busy with school, extra-curricular activities or volunteering, she owns and operates a poultry and goat herd and is passionate about finding ways to commercialize sustainable agricultural practices,” Steinkamp added. “Sydney is exactly the kind of person we need in the agriculture field and driving the future of the industry.”

Hefty was sponsored for the scholarship by her grandparents, ASA members John and Nancy Demerly. Hefty will pursue a degree from Purdue University starting this fall. She will study agricultural economics with a sales and marketing focus. Hefty plans to attend law school and wants a career in agricultural advocacy on behalf of the farmer, consumer and greater agribusiness so that America can continue to lead when it comes to availability of safe, low-cost food for our citizens and abroad.

“I will pursue opportunities that will give me the most experience to see firsthand the impact of current policy and how it directly impacts the entire agricultural system,” Hefty said in her application essay. Hefty has been involved in the National FFA Organization and 4-H for many years, wearing various leadership hats including, district officer secretary, treasurer, chapter officer secretary, club president, vice president and other roles. She is also active in volleyball, served as class president for three years and participated on the Principal Advisory Committee.

“ASA is thankful to partner with BASF and offer the Soy Scholarship to an exceptional student preparing to pursue a career in agriculture,” Steinkamp said. “It’s vital to our industry that we keep encouraging young people who are interested in agriculture and provide them with tools to help them succeed.”

Described by her teachers and advisors as a “good example” and someone who is “not afraid to step outside the box and explore new adventures,” Hefty honed her leadership skills into entrepreneurship, starting her own Boer goat breeding program.

Hefty would like to become a nationally recognized expert in the area of agricultural policy that is fair and equitable among producers, agribusinesses and consumers.

“We are honored to collaborate with the ASA to recognize students like Sydney Hefty, who have a strong desire to make a positive impact on our industry,” said Scott Kay, Vice President, U.S. Crop, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “We rely on the commitment and skills that the next generation of agriculture professionals will bring in the future to further our goal of feeding a growing population.”