Margie Holt Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced
May 2026
Congratulations to the following individuals on being named recipients of the Margie Holt Memorial Scholarship.
Read more below about how they plan to continue advancing the pork industry across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Cyrus Bivens
In the future, Cyrus sees himself remaining actively involved in the swine industry through feed production. Following graduation, he plans to return to his family’s farm to help grow and diversify its operations. He also intends to use his Agricultural Education degree to prioritize advocacy efforts focused on high school youth through commodity organizations, such as the Kentucky Pork Producers, by creating educational opportunities that encourage greater involvement in the pork industry.
Evan Cotton
In the future, Evan plans to start his own show pig operation focused on developing and marketing his own genetics to sell pigs to 4-H and FFA members. Through this venture, he hopes to give back to the industry that has helped shape him into the individual he is today. He also plans to remain actively involved in the pork industry through continued networking within both the show pig and commercial sectors.
Ty Jones
Following graduation, Ty plans to return to his family’s diversified livestock operation to continue their seventh-generation legacy in production agriculture. As he continues his journey in the pork industry, he looks forward to the opportunity to return home and farm alongside his father. Ty’s goal is to produce functional sows that deliver high-quality pork for the end consumer. He also aspires to become a successful animal breeder focused on developing the livestock of tomorrow by improving the genetics of the cattle, hogs, and sheep his family raises, while enhancing meat quality and increasing sustainability and profitability across all segments of the food chain. In addition, Ty plans to continue his leadership and volunteer involvement in agricultural organizations at the local, state, and national levels.
Daniel Laurent
Daniel plans to continue operating and growing his show pig and commercial seedstock operation, Daniel Laurent Durocs, by expanding his herd beyond red hogs while maintaining a strong emphasis on Duroc genetics. He also plans to continue breeding his top-performing Duroc sows to commercial Durocs and Berkshires to produce high-quality replacement females and meat-quality barrows. Professionally, Daniel hopes to pursue a career in animal agriculture, preferably in livestock nutrition or meat quality and performance. To give back to the industry, he plans to continue mentoring youth livestock showmen and judges, while also pursuing opportunities to judge livestock shows and coach local judging teams.