Pork Industry Offers $35K in Scholarships to Students

Students dreaming of careers in agriculture now have thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities waiting for them, thanks to a foundation investing in the future of American farming.

The National Pork Industry Foundation announced applications are now open for two scholarship programs supporting undergraduate, graduate, and professional students pursuing pork and swine industry careers. Together, the programs offer $35,000 annually to students across the country.

The Neil Dierks Scholarship awards $5,000 each year to one graduate student at a land-grant university. Named after the former CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, the scholarship honors his dedication to investing in people and the industry's future.

Applications for the Dierks scholarship close December 18, and the winner will be announced at the National Pork Industry Forum in Arlington, Texas, next March.

The second program, the USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship, carries forward two decades of work by the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence. When that partnership sunset, its remaining assets went to create an endowed scholarship that will run for approximately 40 years.

This program awards three $5,000 scholarships annually: two for undergraduates and one for graduate or professional students. Students studying research, education, veterinary science, or related fields supporting the swine industry can apply.

Why This Inspires

These scholarships represent more than just financial aid. They're a farming community's commitment to ensuring their industry thrives for generations to come.

"We know the future of our industry is in good hands when we invest in the people who will carry it forward," said Barb Determan, president of the foundation. Her words capture what makes this story special: experienced professionals opening doors for passionate students.

The Legacy Scholarship is particularly meaningful because it transforms the end of one successful program into four decades of new opportunities. What could have simply been leftover money became a lasting investment in young people.

Applications for the Legacy Scholarship are due December 4. Third and fourth-year undergraduates and current or accepted graduate students who are U.S. citizens can apply.

Students interested in learning more can visit the foundation's website or contact Lucy Russell at the National Pork Producers Council. The foundation also offers the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship in partnership with CME Group.

For students who grew up on farms or discovered their passion for agriculture in college, these scholarships offer validation that their career path matters and support to help them succeed.