A Leg Up for Pork’s Next Generation: NPIF Scholarships Open

Des Moines, Iowa. Sept. 1, 2026. The National Pork Industry Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in the pork industry, is now accepting applications for two scholarship programs supporting students pursuing careers that will strengthen the future of the U.S. pork industry.

Applications are open for the Neil Dierks Scholarship and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence Swine Legacy Scholarship, which together will provide scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and professional-track students pursuing studies related to the pork and swine industries.

“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 National Pork Industry Foundation. “These scholarships honor people who believed in education and in the future of pork production. We are proud to play a part in helping the next generation get their start.”

Neil Dierks Scholarship

The Neil Dierks Scholarship honors Neil Dierks, the longtime CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, and recognizes his remarkable leadership and dedication to the pork industry throughout his career.

The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled at a land-grant university and pursuing studies that directly support the pork industry.

“Neil Dierks understood the importance of investing in people and in the future of pork production,” said John Anderson, pork producer from Minnesota and NPPC representative on the NPIF board. “This scholarship helps us do the same by giving students with a passion for our industry an opportunity to take the next step.”

Applications for the 2027 Neil Dierks Scholarship are due Friday, December 18. The recipient will be announced during the National Pork Industry Forum, March 3-5, 2027, in Arlington, Texas.

USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship

The USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship was established by NPIF to carry forward the legacy of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, which served for 20 years as a public-private partnership bringing together academic expertise, industry resources, and collaboration to strengthen the U.S. pork sector.

Following the decision to sunset USPCE, its remaining financial assets were awarded to NPIF through a competitive proposal process. In recognition of USPCE’s contributions to the pork industry, NPIF established the endowed Swine Legacy Scholarship to continue its impact through support for future generations of industry leaders.

The program awards three $5,000 scholarships annually, including two scholarships for undergraduate students and one for a graduate or professional-track student. Students pursuing studies in research, education, veterinary science, or related fields supporting the swine industry are eligible for consideration.

The scholarship program is expected to continue for approximately 40 years, providing a lasting investment in students and the future of the pork industry.

Applications for the 2027 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship are due by Friday, December 4. Eligible applicants include third- or fourth-year undergraduate students and from current or accepted graduate or veterinary science students who are U.S. citizens pursuing careers in the pork industry.

Together, the Neil Dierks Scholarship and USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship complement NPIF’s broader commitment to education and leadership development, including the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, sponsored by NPIF in partnership with CME Group. The Lois Britt program awards scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing careers in the pork industry.

For questions about the scholarships, contact Lucy Russell, NPPC director of producer engagement, at 515-864-7983 or russelll@nppc.org.

To learn more about the National Pork Industry Foundation or make a contribution supporting its education programs, visit the NPIF webpage.