Lara gained an appreciation for rangeland early in life through her involvement in 4H, FFA and her family’s farm. These experiences led her to Montana State University, where she is currently a senior majoring in Natural Resource and Rangeland Ecology. Lara is interested in working with wildlife, specifically researching wildlife/livestock interactions and how to aid ranchers in managing for these interactions while operating in extensive rangeland systems. Lara is looking forward to graduating next year and beginning her career in rangeland management. “I want to work with farmers and ranchers to maintain and protect working landscapes”, she says.

Grateful for the support that the Rustici Scholarship provided throughout her undergraduate education, Lara states, “I want to thank both the California Farm Bureau and the Rustici Endowment for awarding me this scholarship. This award has helped many students achieve success and has provided support for furthering our education in the field of rangeland management.  I am very grateful to Mr. Rustici for his generous contribution”.