Missouri Dairy Scholars Program

PURPOSE: This rule describes eligibility and application procedures for the Missouri Dairy Scholars Program. (1) Definitions. As used in this rule, the following shall mean: (A) Agriculture-Related Degree—Programs offered by a two- (2-) year or four- (4-) year college or university in Missouri that include, but may not be limited to, the following program areas: 1. Agricultural Business/Economics; 2. Agricultural Education; 3. Agricultural Equipment/Power/Machinery; 4. Agricultural Communications/Journalism; 5. Agricultural Production; 6. Animal Health; 7. Biotechnology; 8. Farm Management; 9. Food Science/Nutrition; 10. Horticulture/Plant Science; 11. Landscape/Nursery/Turf Management; and 12. Soils; (B) Dairy-Related Internship—a paid or unpaid work experience for at least three (3) months on a dairy farm or, with a dairy cooperative, dairy manufacturing plant, dairy equipment or feed or input provider, an agribusiness, commodity organization, or allied dairy service provider; (C) Department—the Missouri Department of Agriculture; (D) Missouri Agriculture Industry—farms and ranches involved in the production of food products; the agriculture supply and service businesses that support farmers and ranchers; the cooperatives, processors, and manufacturers that provide value added services and help transform the farmer’s agricultural production into higher value products; and (E) Scholarship—Payment in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000), subject to appropriations to assist with the cost of an eligible student’s tuition and fees at a two- (2-) year or four- (4-) year college or university in Missouri. (2) Operation of the Program. (A) Application—Eligible students as defined in section 261.285.3, RSMo, must apply to the Missouri Department of Agriculture on forms provided by the department. On an annual basis, the department will establish program guidelines and a deadline date for the acceptance of applications. (B) Allocation—Upon approval by the department, the eligible student applicant will receive an award letter and scholarship funds will be forwarded to the college or university that the student identifies in the application. Funding is subject to cash availability and current appropriation authority. (C) Repayment of scholarship benefits— The department may revoke, in full or part, any payments if—1) any representation made to the department in connection with an application proves to have been false when made; 2) the applicant violates any conditions established by the department; or 3) the applicant becomes ineligible for any reason under section 261.285, RSMo. AUTHORITY: section 261.295, RSMo Supp. 2015.* Original rule filed March 31, 2016, effective Sept. 30, 2016. *Original authority: 261.295, RSMo 2015.