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National Pork Industry Foundation
The National Pork Industry Foundation is a 501(C)(3) whose mission, since 1984, is to support programs that help create productive and responsible individuals dedicated to advances in the pork industry. It encourages and supports collaboration—connecting students with persons and systems—to maximize and sustain educational opportunities that provide insight into pork industry careers. Opportunities include Foundation programs conducted in an objective, scientific manner, as well as specific research and education that may be requested by interested third parties.
Current Scholarship Programs Receiving Funding:
The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s College Aggies Online Program (CAO) is a scholarship competition made possible by an alliance of agricultural organizations. Sponsors provide a program mentor in addition to financial contributions. Winners of the competition receive college scholarships.
The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship is sponsored by the CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation. Learn more about it here.
The Neil Dierks Scholarship is sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation and is managed and administered by the National Pork Producers Council. Learn more here.
Your Support and Contributions Are Welcome
We exist thanks to the generous support of pork producers and allied industry partners. Individuals, companies and organizations can contribute to the Foundation. This funding may qualify as a charitable deduction to the company for income tax purposes. Contributions can be sent to The National Pork Industry Foundation, 10676 Justin Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322 OR an electronic contribution can be made by clicking here.
The National Pork Industry Foundation Board of Directors
Tom Pitstick—President
Jan Archer—Vice President
Todd Neff—Industry Representative
Dwight Mogler—NPPC Representative
Jess Campbell—Board Member
Sam Carney—Board Member
Barbara Determan—Board Member
Dallas Hockman—Board Member
Karen Richter—Board Member
A.V. Roth—Board Member
The Neil Dierks Scholarship
For more than 30 years, Neil Dierks devoted himself to the well-being of U.S. pork producers. As CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, he encouraged, challenged, supported and equipped members as they advocated for opportunities in trade as well as reasonable regulation. Above all, Neil nurtured leadership for the pork industry, seeking out and elevating talented persons with a variety of skills to serve as resources and decision-makers for today and tomorrow.
Neil’s 2021 retirement created an opportunity to honor his contribution to the U.S. pork industry and legacy as a leader, through the Neil Dierks Scholarship.
Designed to support students seeking a graduate degree in a field related to the pork industry at a land grant university, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one individual annually and carries on Neil’s mission to equip new leaders for the industry he served so well.
It’s hard to imagine the changes in the U.S. pork industry over the last 30 years. Thinking about what lies ahead can seem overwhelming. By working together, we can equip the next generation to advance our industry and continue the mission of producing pigs and providing the world’s leading protein source: pork.
The Neil Dierks Scholarship will be administered by the National Pork Industry Foundation. After the application deadline, the award will be made during National Pork Industry Forum each March. Your donation is appreciated and will support the pork industry long into the future.
—The National Pork Industry Foundation Board
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