Forty-six students pursuing careers in farming, ranching or other agricultural professions have been awarded a combined $251,250 in scholarships from the California Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation.

The scholarships are awarded annually based on students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, career goals, extracurricular activities and other factors, with the goal of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Three local students are among the 43 recipients of the Rustici Livestock and Rangeland Scholarship Award for students pursuing careers in beef or sheep ranching, range management or related fields. Those recipients are Gabriel Abundis, Eureka; Malela Fulton, Fortuna; and Anthony Zinselmeir, Arcata.

Since its founding in 1955, the California Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $4.4 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational and career goals in agriculture.