$5,000 Scholarship Offered for Grad Students in Pork Industry

Oct 08, 2025
By Farms.com

Apply Now for the 2025 Neil Dierks Pork Industry Scholarship

The National Pork Industry Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025 Neil Dierks Scholarship, created to honor the former NPPC CEO and his lasting contributions to the U.S. pork industry. The foundation, managed by NPPC, supports research and education that strengthens the pork sector.

This $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a graduate student enrolled at a land-grant university who is pursuing studies that directly benefit the pork industry.

Applicants have the opportunity to advance their education while contributing to the future of U.S. pork production.

Applications are due by December 31, 2025. The scholarship recipient will be announced at NPPC’s annual business meeting, the National Pork Industry Forum, scheduled for March 4-6, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.

For eligibility details or to apply, visit the NPPC website. Questions can be directed to Lucy Russell, NPPC Manager of Producer Engagement, at 515-864-7983 or russelll@nppc.org.

Photo Credit: national-pork-industry-foundation

Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.