Scholarship Opportunities
The Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association provides support to the aspiring youth in the Beef Industry of Santa Clara County. To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must possess knowledge of the beef industry, reside in Santa Clara County, and be either a high school senior or college student. Candidates are required to demonstrate future education and career goals that contribute to the advancement of the beef industry. This year our association is offering $5,000 in scholarships, honoring and uplifting students who exhibit a deep passion for the industry.
View the application below for more information, or contact Secretary Jenna Fields at (408) 607-0911 with any questions.
2026 Scholarship Application
The 2026 Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Scholarship applications are officially available! We’re excited to see eligible candidates apply and support the next generation in agriculture. Be sure to submit your application by April 30, 2026 — we look forward to reviewing your submissions!
SCCCA Invests in Ag Students
The Sobrato FFA chapter recently approached SCCCA with a proposal requesting support as their district begins to repurpose parts of the school farm, including the existing steer pens, as part of a new district-run Farm-to-Table initiative. While the project itself is not affiliated with SCCCA, we remain committed to ensuring that agricultural students continue to have the hands-on opportunities they deserve. After reviewing Sobrato FFA’s proposal and the needs outlined for rebuilding their beef facilities, the SCCCA Board voted to provide a $5,000 donation to help the chapter establish new, functional space for their beef projects.
Our board strongly believes in supporting youth agriculture programs and ensuring that students retain access to meaningful in-school livestock education. To represent SCCCA and deliver the donation in person, our president, Justin Fields, attended a recent Sobrato FFA meeting and presented the chapter with the check. If you’d like additional information about this contribution or the proposal behind it feel free to reach out, we’re happy to share more.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Ana Martinez
CSU Chico, Chico, Ca.
Ana is a proud graduate of Gilroy High School and is now a freshman at Chico State, where she’s majoring in Agricultural Sciences and Education. While at Gilroy High, Ana was an active member of the Gilroy FFA Chapter. She raised market lambs and turkeys for the Santa Clara County Fair and competed in a variety of contests, including Water Issues, Floral, Spanish Creed, and Opening & Closing.
Her passion for agriculture education comes from the inspiration and impact of her own ag teachers, who encouraged her to chase her dreams. Ana hopes to follow in their footsteps by helping the next generation of students and future agriculturists find their own passion in agriculture.
Emily Blenn
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Co.
Emily is studying Livestock Business and Management with a concentration in Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, with plans to become a Food Animal Veterinarian.
A proud Live Oak FFA alum, Emily competed on meat, poultry, and floral evaluation teams, participated in public speaking, and served in chapter and sectional leadership roles. She also raised and showed market turkeys, wethers, and steers at the Santa Clara County Fair—experiences that inspired her passion for livestock and agriculture.
Now at CSU, Emily spends her time working with calves at the school farm, attending football games, and continuing to learn from hands-on experience. She’s most proud of the teamwork, dedication, and work ethic livestock have taught her.
Audrey Spaid
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Ca.
Audrey is from Mountain View, CA and is currently studying Animal Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her goal is to become a mixed practice veterinarian, a career path inspired by her years in 4-H, where she raised goats, pigs, and sheep, and developed a lifelong passion for animal care and the livestock industry.
This past summer, Audrey had the amazing opportunity to intern at the Colorado State University Beef Improvement Center in Saratoga, Wyoming. There, she gained hands-on experience in what it takes to successfully manage a beef cattle operation.
Audrey is excited for the year ahead at Cal Poly and all of the opportunities it will bring. We’re proud to support her as she continues her journey in agriculture and animal health!
Kyle Jordan
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Ca.
Kyle is a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE). He plans to pursue a career in agricultural engineering or hydroelectricity, using his education to help build a more sustainable future.
Growing up around agriculture taught Kyle the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for nature. His upbringing surrounded by animals and farm life deepened his appreciation for where our food comes from and the importance of caring for the land.
Kyle encourages others in agriculture to keep learning and working together to improve how we care for our animals, land, and water.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Jodi Fields
Montana State University, Bozeman, Mt.
Jodi Fields, an 19-year-old student at Montana State University, is passionate about conservation and wildlife management. Coming from a long line of cattle ranchers, Jodi has extensive experience in the beef cattle industry. As a leader in 4-H and FFA, she excelled in competitions and held positions such as Chapter President. Jodi aims to promote sustainable agriculture and preserve rangelands. She has received awards for her achievements, including regional beef proficiency. With her dedication and background, Jodi is poised to make a significant impact in her field.
Adri Cutrignelli
Iowa State University, Ames, Ia.
Meet Adri Cutrignelli, one of the 2024 Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship recipients! Adri’s passion for agriculture started when she joined 4-H and began raising livestock, eventually moving from hogs and goats to raising her first steer through the Morgan Hill FFA explore program. Her experience ignited a love for the cattle industry, leading her to earn her California FFA State Degree and now work toward her American FFA Degree. Currently studying Agricultural Food & Animal Sciences at Iowa State University, Adri is focused on agricultural sustainability, aiming to help farmers improve yields in a more sustainable way. She expresses deep gratitude to the Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association for supporting her education, and thanks the Fields family for fueling her passion by selling her that first steer. Adri is excited to continue her journey and make a lasting impact on the future of agriculture.
Audrey Spaid
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Ca.
Audrey Spaid, a 2024 Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship recipient, is a highly accomplished 17-year-old with a passion for animal science. A student at Mountain View High School and the Foothill Middle College Program, Audrey will attend Cal Poly SLO, aiming to become a mixed practice veterinarian. Her hands-on experience with beef cattle includes showing in Master Showmanship at the Santa Clara County Fair, assisting with branding days, and working on local ranches. Audrey’s impressive awards include winning Small Animal Master Showmanship in 2023 and 2024, Large Animal Novice Master Showmanship in 2024, and Stills High Point in 2023. She has also served as a 4-H Ambassador, a National 4-H Conference Delegate, and has led numerous animal projects. Beyond agriculture, Audrey has been involved in wrestling, choir, and the Junior Livestock Board for the Santa Clara County Fair.
Andrew Sullivan
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Ca.
Andrew Sullivan, a 2024 Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship recipient, is a dedicated 20-year-old student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, pursuing a degree in Animal Science with plans to attend veterinary school. Having grown up working with cattle on his family’s ranch, Andrew has continued to expand his experience through internships at Tri-County Vet Hospital and hands-on collaboration with the Cal Poly Beef Unit. He also works at the Cal Poly Swine Unit and the Animal Nutrition Center. In addition to his agricultural involvement, Andrew is a member of the Cal Poly Swim and Dive team and has earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award.
2024 Jack and Dora James Award
Jack and Dora James were both former members of the Cattlemen’s and Women’s Associations and volunteered at the Santa Clara County Fair for many years. Their passion for the cattle industry in the county led them to support the youth in agriculture every chance given.
To honor the James’ the Jack and Dora James Award is granted to beef exhibitors who either purchased their steer from a breeder in the county, or bred it themselves. The live beef show placing is combined with the carcass placing to select the winners.
The 2024 Jack and Dora James Award Recipients are:
- 1st Place – Payton Duarte
- 2nd Place – Brenda Alvarado
- 3rd Place – Kaiden Smith
- 4th Place – Kallen Smith
- 5th Place – Michael Martinez
Santa Clara County Fair
In our commitment to preserving agriculture in the Bay Area, we prioritize our support for the Santa Clara County Fair. Each year, we actively contribute to various aspects of the fair, including the Livestock Auction Buyer’s Dinner and providing assistance during the beef show. We are always ready to lend a hand wherever it is needed. One of our most significant contributions is the donation of a multi-species livestock scale. This scale plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate weights for all market animals. We take great pride in this donation as it enhances the fairness and integrity of the livestock market at the fair.
Cattle Logic
Our association is a proud sponsor of Cattle Logic! This event takes place in Santa Clara County and is a fantastic opportunity for juniors and parents alike to gain top to bottom knowledge about showing cattle at the county fair, jackpots, and beyond. Learn everything from selecting an animal, correct feeding programs, showmanship, and other show day preparations. Attendees will also earn their Youth Quality Care for Animals certification in person and get ready to take on their next fair!