Yoder named AADF Nesbitt Scholarship recipient
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HARRISBURG -- The All-American Dairy Foundation has announced Natalie Yoder, of Belleville, as the recipient of the 2026 Arthur W. Nesbitt Scholarship.
Yoder, 21, is the daughter of Michael and Maria Yoder, owners of Dryhouse Farm. She is a senior at Penn State University, where she is majoring in Agribusiness Management. She serves as president of the Dairy Science Club and vice president of the Coaly Society, a leadership organization for students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Yoder plans to pursue a career in marketing or sales within the dairy industry. Her experience already includes internships with Horizon Farm Credit in marketing and customer experience and with Syngenta Crop Protection in product marketing.
Her connection to the All-American Dairy Show began at the age of nine. Over the years, she has participated in the Premier National Junior Dairy Show, Pennsylvania Youth Dairy Show and open show. She also competed on the Penn State Dairy Judging Team in the Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest and participated in the showmanship contest for many years.
One of the highlights of Yoder's youth showing career was winning Grand Champion Ayrshire at the 2021 Premier National Junior Dairy Show and having the opportunity to participate in the Junior Supreme Champion Pageant.
Her involvement with the show has also come full circle. After participating in the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show since she was nine-years-old, Yoder now helps organize and run the contest through the Penn State Dairy Science Club.
In addition to her involvement in dairy shows and activities at Penn State, Yoder has been a member of the Mifflin County 4-H Dairy Club and the Junior Holstein Association.
Upon receiving the award, Natalie shared, "I am grateful to receive the Arthur W. Nesbitt Scholarship and would like to thank the All-American Dairy Foundation for selecting me as the recipient. This scholarship will be very helpful as I continue my senior year at Penn State. I am proud to be part of the dairy community and grateful for the opportunities and relationships it has given me."
AADF Chairman of the Board John Howard presented Yoder with the $2,000 scholarship during the All-American Dairy Show.
“The All-American Dairy Foundation is proud to recognize Natalie for her achievements as a dairy youth," Howard said. "We are honored to support her education and celebrate her achievements both inside and outside the show ring.”
The Arthur W. Nesbitt Scholarship honors the legacy of its namesake by supporting young people pursuing educational opportunities while recognizing their commitment to the dairy industry.
The AADF invests in today's dairy youth to strengthen tomorrow's dairy industry through grants supporting All-American Dairy Show youth activities, scholarships and awards. The Foundation relies on the support of donors to help provide these opportunities. To support the Foundation and its mission, donations are tax-deductible and can be made payable to the All-American Dairy Foundation and mailed to 1021 Pfoutz Valley Rd., Millerstown, PA, 17062. For more information, visit AllAmericanDairyFoundation.com.