WestGen is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 WestGen Education Awards. Each of these selected students will receive $2000 to assist them with their post-secondary agriculture studies. The selection committee was extremely pleased with the quality of applicants this year, and encourages those not selected to apply again next year. Supporting youth and the development of the Western Canadian cattle industry are mandates of WestGen’s Endowment Fund, and we look forward to watching these students become successful in each of their chosen career paths.
I would like to thank WestGen for choosing me as a recipient of their Education Award, which will help me in my agribusiness studies. I was born into a dairy farm located near Steinbach, Manitoba. I have found a love for the dairy industry through my involvement in my family’s farm, as well as my involvement in 4-H and the Western Canadian Classic. Right now I am currently enrolled in my third year of my Agribusiness degree at the University of Manitoba. After graduation I hope to get into the field of classifying dairy animals around Canada, as well as eventually take over the responsibilities of my family’s dairy farm. Your Generosity is appreciated.
My name is Dorian de Lange. I grew up outside Leduc, Alberta on my family’s dairy farm – Detimdale Holsteins. Over the years, our farm went from milking in a tie stall to milking on three GEA robots. Growing up on the farm fueled my passion for cows and all things dairy. I also grew up being involved in the Rollyview 4-H Dairy Club, the Alberta Youth Dairy Show, and represented Team Alberta at the Westgen Canadian Classic five times. These experiences have helped shape my interests in dairy genetics and showing.
I am currently enrolled in the Animal Science Technology program at Lakeland College, where I serve as Genetics Coordinator on the Student-Managed Farm. This role allows me to expand my skills in breeding decisions and herd improvement.
I am currently enrolled in the Animal Science Technology program at Lakeland College, where I serve as Genetics Coordinator on the Student-Managed Farm. This role allows me to expand my skills in breeding decisions and herd improvement.
I am committed to continuing my education and bringing new ideas home to support the future growth and success of our family farm.
My name is Janessa Vaandrager, and I am honored to be selected for one of WestGen’s Education Awards for 2025. I grew up in Abbotsford BC on my family’s dairy farm. I have always loved farming and spent countless hours in the barn doing chores or having fun. I was a 4-H member for 9 years, and a WCC participant for 6 years which grew my passion for agriculture. In 2023 I moved to Saskatoon and enrolled in University of Saskatchewan’s Agribusiness Diploma program. I choose Agribusiness to grow my knowledge of the ag industry and learn skills for running a business. I will complete my diploma shortly and plan on moving back to the farm. While I was at school my family moved our operation up to Enderby BC where we now milk 200 cows in a double 12 parallel parlour. Thank you WestGen for your scholarship opportunities and for supporting those perusing careers in agriculture.
I would like to thank WestGen for choosing me as a recipient for their 2025 education award, and for their commitment of supporting students in agriculture. I am from Chilliwack BC, where my family operates a dairy farm, Benco Holsteins. I completed 2 years of a biochemistry degree at the University of British Columbia, and am now in my first year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. Upon completion of my veterinary degree, I plan to work in the dairy industry and would like to become a bovine disease specialist working with producers to prioritize exceptional herd health and productivity. This award will greatly support me in my educational journey and I am sincerely grateful for WestGen’s support.