The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is thrilled to introduce the recipient of its very first Rendering Scholarship: Madelynn Pimm, a senior at Penn State University. Madelynn is majoring in Agribusiness Management and International Agriculture, and she’s already making her mark as a leader in the agricultural community. Her goal? To build stronger connections between producers and consumers while supporting the growth of agriculture for the future.
Madelynn’s leadership goes beyond the classroom. She serves as President of Penn State Collegiate Cattlewomen, PR Chair of Penn State Block and Bridle, and is a member of the Penn State Livestock Judging Team. She also loves traveling and discovering agriculture in different regions of the world—experiences that are shaping her into the kind of leader the industry needs.
The NARA Rendering Scholarship was launched in honor of National Rendering Day (April 21) to recognize students who are passionate about rendering’s vital role in sustainability, animal nutrition, and the circular economy. Applicants submitted essays on the topic “Why is rendering important in today’s world?” and Madelynn’s submission stood out for its clarity, vision, and passion.
Why does this matter? Because rendering is one of agriculture’s most impactful yet overlooked processes. It prevents millions of tons of byproducts from ending up in landfills, supports American farmers, contributes to safe and nutritious animal feed and pet food, and significantly reduces environmental impact. By creating this scholarship, NARA is shining a spotlight on rendering’s role in building a sustainable future—and encouraging bright young minds like Madelynn’s to join the cause.
As part of her recognition, Madelynn has been invited to be the featured guest on an upcoming episode of The Invisible Industry, NARA’s podcast dedicated to exploring the world of rendering. In the episode, she’ll share her essay and her vision as a future leader in agriculture. Watch for it this fall on YouTube, Spotify, and the NARA website.
We’re proud to celebrate Madelynn’s achievement and excited to see how the NARA Rendering Scholarship will continue to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
