Celebrating the Future of Agriculture: Meet Our 2026 PSA Scholarship Recipients

The 2026 PSA Scholarship winners exemplify the vision, innovation, and leadership that will guide the future of the seed industry. On behalf of the PSA Scholarship Committee, the Pacific Seed Association is proud to recognize these outstanding students for their academic excellence, commitment to agriculture, and dedication to building a more sustainable world.

Investing in the Next Generation

The PSA Scholarship Program exists to support and empower the next generation of leaders in agriculture, horticulture, and plant sciences. Through this program, PSA provides financial assistance to exceptional students who demonstrate a strong connection to the seed industry, a record of academic achievement, and a forward-looking vision for sustainable agricultural systems. These scholars are not only excelling in their coursework; they are preparing to lead in research, advisory, and advocacy roles that will shape resilient cropping systems, healthier ecosystems, and more secure global food supplies.

PSA extends sincere gratitude to the member companies whose continued support makes this program possible. Their investment in education and professional development is critical to fostering growth and innovation across the industry, and it directly enables students like our 2026 recipients to pursue advanced training, hands-on experience, and impactful research opportunities.

2026 PSA Scholarship Recipients

Brandon Withers – Oregon State University

Brandon Withers grew up in Oregon with a longstanding curiosity about how crops grow and how farmers can improve their fields. He first earned an associate degree in Horticulture from Chemeketa Community College and is now studying Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University, working toward his goal of becoming a Crop Advisor. During the summer, Brandon gained practical experience in the agricultural services department at a local cooperative, supporting growers with spray and lime applications and monitoring moisture probes in the field.

Brandon plans to leverage both his education and hands-on experience to help farmers make informed, science-based decisions. He is particularly focused on promoting responsible agronomic practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship, and the PSA Scholarship will help him continue preparing for a career dedicated to supporting growers and strengthening sustainable production systems.

Hannah Johnson – Washington State University

Hannah Johnson is a PhD student at Washington State University specializing in potato agronomy. Her work centers on understanding how in-season production practices influence tuber dormancy, a key factor in seed performance and crop uniformity. Partnering closely with potato seed growers, Hannah studies how dormancy and emergence differ based on seed generation, production inputs, harvest timing, and storage and handling conditions.

The goal of her research is to identify production practices associated with both the strongest and weakest performing seed lots, giving growers actionable insights to improve stand establishment and overall productivity. After completing her degree, Hannah hopes to continue in applied field research, where she can collaborate directly with growers to refine management strategies, enhance profitability, and support the long-term success of the potato seed sector.

Kyia Hunter-Kanoff – Oklahoma State University

Kyia Hunter-Kanoff is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, where she is dual majoring in Agribusiness and Agricultural Communications and pursuing a certificate in Ethical Leadership. Originally from Moses Lake, Washington, Kyia discovered her passion for agriculture in her home community and has carried that enthusiasm into both her academic work and campus involvement. She is highly engaged in leadership, currently serving as the 2026 Sea of Orange Parade Director for America’s Greatest Homecoming and as the Student Government Association Recruitment Director.

Kyia is preparing for a career in agricultural advocacy, with the goal of becoming an agricultural lobbyist. She is particularly interested in elevating the voices of producers, communicating complex issues to policymakers and the public, and helping shape policy that supports both the seed industry and the broader agricultural sector. The PSA Scholarship will support her continued development as an ethical, informed, and effective advocate for agriculture.

Koy Chandler – Washington State University

Raised in the agriculturally rich region of southern Idaho, Koy Chandler developed an early appreciation for the complexity of crop production through a variety of industry roles. This field experience sparked a deep interest in plant science and ultimately led him toward a research-focused career centered on potatoes. Koy earned his M.S. in Plant Pathology at Washington State University in the Gleason lab, where he studied the management and impacts of potato nematodes, a critical challenge for growers.

Koy is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture at WSU under the mentorship of the Pavek and Blauer labs. His current research combines physiological and agronomic approaches to improve potato quality, with a particular emphasis on reducing internal defects and accelerating wound healing in both seed and postharvest potatoes. By addressing these issues, Koy aims to enhance product quality, reduce losses, and support a more efficient and resilient potato supply chain.

Looking Ahead

PSA is honored to support Brandon, Hannah, Kyia, and Koy as they continue their academic journeys and expand their contributions to the seed and agricultural industries. Their passion, leadership, and commitment to science-based solutions reflect the core values of the Pacific Seed Association and its members. We look forward to following their careers and to seeing how their work will benefit growers, communities, and food systems across the region and beyond.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 PSA Scholarship recipients and in celebrating the PSA member companies whose support makes this investment in the future of our industry possible.