The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) announced the recipients of the 2026 BASF Wheat scholarships, awarding $2,500 each to two outstanding college students pursuing careers in agriculture.
Jacob Bingaman, a student at Oregon State University studying Agricultural and Food Business Management, was recognized for his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and a compelling essay on the importance of wheat. His FFA advisor, Jim Cant, praised Bingaman as “detailed, striving for excellence, and deeply caring about his work and the people around him.” NWF congratulated Bingaman on his selection.
The second recipient, Paul McCalister from Abernathy, Texas, attends West Texas A&M University and is studying Agricultural Business. McCalister aims to work in agricultural policy to improve food security, rural economies, and global wheat markets. The selection committee was impressed by his determination, persistence, and commitment to contributing to his community and beyond.
Ben Scholz, a Texas farmer and chair of the NWF Scholarship Committee, said, “Selecting the scholarship recipients each year is one of our favorite things to do. It brings us joy to recognize so much potential in these young applicants and we are so happy to see young people wanting to get involved in agriculture.”
The NWF encourages all applicants not selected this year to apply again next year. The scholarship program is made possible through the support of BASF, to whom the Foundation expressed its gratitude along with appreciation for all applicants.
