Cally Hass of Cassopolis, Mich., was recently announced as the winner of the 2010 Claude Robinson Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is given by the Robinson family of Wellsville, Mo., in honor of their father and grandfather, a noted stockman and breeder of Yorkshire hogs, Angus cattle and Quarter horses.
The scholarship is awarded each year to one college sophomore, junior or senior enrolled in a junior or senior college judging program. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership activities, livestock judging experience, livestock industry interest and community service.

Hass will be a senior this fall at Michigan State University, and will graduate next spring with a degree in animal science with an agribusiness option. She competed on the 2009 MSU livestock judging team – the only all-girl team in the nation, also coached by a woman – and has accumulated a list of awards from contests around the country.

In her application, Hass says she has gained much from competing in livestock judging. “It is remarkable how much it can benefit an individual, and is without question the most valuable activity I have participated in throughout my college career,” she says, noting she learned to rationalize decisions and think quickly, as well as developed improved public speaking and time-management skills, sportsmanship, perseverance and discipline.

Hass is the current vice president and swine representative on the Michigan Junior Livestock Society junior board of directors as well as a 14-year member, and is an active member of Michigan Farm Bureau, MSU Collegiate Farm Bureau, MSU Block & Bridle, Leaders in Environmental and Agricultural Fields, Sigma Alpha, MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Senate, and the National Agri-Marketing Association, as well as is a member of Pleasant View Church of Christ and His House Christian Fellowship.

Hass was an active member of the NJSA for nine years, former Michigan Pork Ambassador, 14-year member of 4-H, and an eight-year member and past Michigan state officer in the National FFA Organization. She also reigned as Miss Cass-St. Joseph County in 2009, with a platform of agriculture and natural resources education and awareness.

Hass’s career goals include pursuing a career in the swine industry, particularly at an industry organization such as the National Swine Registry, National Pork Producers Council, or National Pork Board. Additionally, she hopes to judge livestock shows, pursue her own swine and cattle operation, and serve as a volunteer 4-H and FFA leader.

Hass served this past summer as the NJSA intern, helping organize the World Pork Expo Junior National and the National Junior Summer Spectacular.