Charles R. Farber
Western Kentucky University
Charles R. Farber grew up on a family diversified farming operation in Logan County, Kentucky where he, his parents and brother are involved in cattle and swine production along with 1,000 acres of wheat, corn and soybeans. This background initiated his interest in animal sciences and the study of agriculture. Charles received a B.S. degree from Western Kentucky University in May of 1998 with a major in biochemistry and a minor in agriculture with emphasis in animal science. He graduated Summa cum laude with a 3.81 cumulative grade point average. Charles was also active outside of the classroom serving as president and treasurer of Block and Bridle, as an undergraduate teaching assistant, and as a member and coach of the intercollegiate livestock judging team. Charles has been awarded a research assistantship to pursue graduate studies in molecular genetics at Michigan State University beginning in the fall of 1998.
Jared Walahoski was born and raised on the family farm and ranch in Ord, Nebraska where he was involved in the Shorthorn cattle, sheep, and hog business. He was active as a youth in 4-H and FFA livestock activities, culminating with him serving as state FFA vice president and receiving the FFA American Farmer degree. Jared received a B.S. in animal science from the University of Nebraska in May of 1998 with a 3.75 cumulative grade point average. He was very active as a student at UNL where he was a member of Nebraska’s quadrathalon team, president of Block and Bridle and a member of the intercollegiate livestock judging team. He also remained active in his home community while at the university by serving in leadership roles in the FFA Alumni Association and the Knights of Columbus organizations. Jared was recently married and accepted into veterinary school at Kansas State University for the fall 1998 entering class. He hopes to eventually return to central Nebraska, run a large animal veterinary practice, and raise a family.
Becca Dikeman is a native of Manhattan, Kansas where she grew up actively involved in the 4-H program, with emphasis in beef cattle production. She received a number of leadership and achievement awards through 4-H and through being a junior leader at local, state, and national levels of the American Simmental Association. Becca graduated from Kansas State University in May of 1998 with a B.S. degree in animal science with a 3.6 cumulative grade point average. Becca was the 1st place winner of the National Junior Scholarship Award from Block and Bridle in 1997. She was extremely active extracurricularly serving as president of Block and Bridle, a member of the meats judging team, Alpha Zeta, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Phi Kappa Phi, and Mortar Board. Becca has also found time to be active in the youth programs of her home church in addition to her activities and studies at Kansas State. Becca will begin an M.S. program in the food safety area at Kansas State University in the fall of 1998.
