Keira VanderKolk believes the future of agriculture begins with better livestock nutrition. The Hudsonville High School graduate is heading to Iowa State University to study animal science with a focus on feed chemistry, a career path she hopes will lead to healthier animals, more efficient farms, and a stronger food system.
“I believe that if we start improving livestock feed, we can start to improve all of agriculture,” VanderKolk says. “Everything starts with the feed.”
Now, she’s receiving early support for that vision as one of the first three recipients of a new scholarship from the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council.
VanderKolk, along with Logan Anderson of Sparta and Brandon Barker of Holland, was awarded $1,000 to help pursue a degree in agriculture or a related field.
“These students represent the future of agribusiness,” says Carol Distel,
Agribusiness Talent Council lead at West Michigan Works!. “Their passion, experience, and vision reflect exactly what our industry needs, and we’re proud to support them as they take the next step in their education.”
Building agriculture’s future
The scholarship is part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages in West Michigan’s agribusiness sector. The Agribusiness Talent Council, created by employers and community partners, launched the program to invest in young people committed to careers in agriculture.
To qualify, applicants must live in one of the seven counties served by West Michigan Works! – Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Ottawa – and be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
VanderKolk’s passion for feed development grew from years in 4-H, where she discovered how certain feed combinations dramatically impact animal health and performance. She hopes to become a chemical livestock feed analyst focused on improving protein efficiency and digestion.
Another recipient is Logan Anderson, a graduate of Algoma Christian School who plans to study agribusiness at Michigan State University after earning an associate degree from Montcalm Community College. Anderson is committed to continuing his family’s legacy at AB Orchards, a century-old farm in Sparta.
“Although it is important to know how to grow things, it's just as crucial to understand the principles of economics, accounting, and marketing,” Anderson says. “A degree in agribusiness will help me run our farm more effectively.”
Brandon Barker, who graduated from Forest Hills Eastern, is studying agribusiness management at Michigan State University. He has experience in excavation and hobby farming, and he hopes to use those skills to start a consulting business while also running his own farm.
“My time as a foreman in my father’s construction and land development business gave me a strong appreciation for land, equipment, and project management—skills that directly translate to agriculture,” Barker says.
Launched in 2018, the Agribusiness Talent Council promotes industry careers, connects employers with talent, and helps coordinate training efforts across West Michigan.
For more information on the Agribusiness Talent Council and future scholarship opportunities, contact Carol Distel at cdistel@westmiworks.org.
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