Capital Update – For the Week Ending Sept. 18, 2026
In the weekly recap from the National Pork Producers Council: pork producers push lawmakers for Prop. 12 fix, farm bill, USMCA; new farm bill clears Senate Ag panel, ready for…
Education Programs
Building for the Future
Our programs are a great way to support your industry — from organizing our collective grassroots power to the scholarships and resources that bring forth tomorrow’s leaders.
Scholarships, externships, training programs, our 501(C)(3) Foundation—NPPC has a variety of programs that help people at all levels contribute to the success of the U.S. pork industry.
National Pork Industry Foundation
The mission of the non-profit National Pork Industry Foundation is to support programs and educational opportunities for all people with a desire to advance their knowledge in the pork industry.
Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship
The application period for the 2027 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship is now open through Friday, December 11, 2026! This scholarship, sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation and administered by the National Pork Producers Council, is available to undergraduate students pursuing careers in agriculture.
Neil Dierks Scholarship
The application period for the 2027 Neil Dierks Scholarship is now open through Friday, December 18, 2026! Sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education within the pork industry, and administered by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this scholarship is available to graduate students pursuing careers in agriculture.
USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship
The application period for the 2027 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship is now open through Friday, December 4, 2026! Sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education within the pork industry, and administered by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the swine industry.
Veterinary Government Relations Externship
The Veterinary Government Relations Externship is a two-week program in Washington, D.C. The first week will be spent with NPPC during the Fall Legislative Action Conference (LAC). The second week will be spent with Merck Animal Health. Interested 4th year veterinary students can contact NPPC Director of Food Policy Dr. Ashley Johnson more information for the 2027 fall externship.
News & Resources
Pig Farmers from 24 States Press Lawmakers for Prop. 12 Solution in Final Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17, 2026 – Nearly 150 pork producers from California to New York joined forces in Washington to advocate for their farms and livelihoods as the U.S. Senate…
Chairman Thompson Honored with “Bringing Home the Bacon” Award for Leading Farm Bill Efforts to Save Pig Farms
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 17, 2026 – On behalf of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, the National Pork Producers Council presented U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) the inaugural…