The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is pleased to announce the awarding of the annual John Peavey Legacy Fund scholarship to Dakota Monroe of Minersville, Utah.  Monroe will be attending Snow College in Ephraim, Utah this fall, studying agriculture with a focus on livestock and equine science.

Upon hearing she was selected for the award, she remarked, "I am proud to accept the John Peavey Legacy Scholarship and represent the values it stands for.  Agriculture is my passion, and I am committed to building a future where I can contribute and advocate for this industry." 

Monroe noted in her scholarship application essay:

“Growing up on a cow calf operation in rural Utah has shaped every part of who I am. My earliest memories are tied to the land, the livestock, and the people who taught me what it means to work hard, show up, and take responsibility. Agriculture isn’t something I discovered later in life, it's the foundation I was raised on. It has taught me lessons that I carry into every part of my life, and it has given me a sense of purpose that guides my future.

My family’s ranch is where I learned what real work looks like. We run a cow–calf operation and grow our own feed, which means there is always something that needs to be done. From feeding and fencing to irrigating, calving, plowing, seeding, cutting crops, throwing bales, and caring for horses, I grew up doing the kind of work that doesn’t wait for good weather or a convenient schedule.

Agriculture has taught me values that have shaped my character. I’ve learned selflessness, because animals depend on you whether you feel like working or not. I’ve learned responsibility, because a missed chore can have real consequences. I’ve learned perseverance, because ranching doesn’t stop for weather, exhaustion, or setbacks. I’ve learned adaptability, because plans change fast and you have to adjust. I’ve learned patience, especially with horses and young livestock. I’ve learned humility, because nature always has the final say. And I’ve learned self‑reliance and critical thinking, especially the first time my dad left me in charge of the ranch for a few days. I was nervous, but I handled everything feeding, watering, checking cows, managing problems and I realized that I am capable, dependable, and trustworthy. That experience changed the way I see myself.

At Snow College, I plan to study agriculture with a focus on livestock and equine science. My goal is to build a career in the livestock and equine industry, combining my hands-on experience with formal education. I want to deepen my understanding of animal science, improve my horsemanship, and eventually return to the ranching world with the skills needed to help operations adapt to changing environmental and economic challenges. I care deeply about sustainable ranching, land stewardship, and the future of rural communities. I want to be part of the next generation of agricultural leaders who protect our traditions while embracing innovation.

The John Peavey Legacy Fund Scholarship matters to me because it represents the values I was raised with hard work, community, stewardship, and dedication to the land. John Peavey’s legacy reflects the same principles that guide my life: commitment to agriculture, respect for Western heritage, and service to rural communities. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially with tuition, housing, and books, but it would also be an honor to carry forward a legacy rooted in the same values I strive to uphold.”