Applications Now Open for 2026 Neil Dierks Scholarship Honoring Former NPPC CEO

Oct 06, 2025

By Abbey Canon

The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in the pork industry, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neil Dierks Scholarship.

This $5,000 scholarship honors Neil Dierks, the longtime CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and recognizes his remarkable leadership and dedication to the pork industry throughout his career. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled at a land-grant university and pursuing studies that directly support the pork industry.

“Neil’s leadership and vision left a lasting impact on producers and the broader agricultural community,” said John Anderson, pork producer from Minnesota and NPPC representative on the NPIF board.

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Video: Environmental Effects on Sow Fertility - Dr. Isabela Bez

In this special episode celebrating International Women's Day of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we bring Dr. Isabela Bez, a veterinarian and PhD student in Brazil, who explains how temperature and light regimes influence sow reproductive performance. She discusses seasonal infertility, climate adaptation, and why environmental monitoring inside barns is critical for herd efficiency. The episode highlights practical management strategies to reduce reproductive losses and improve outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms. "Environmental factors are actually very important on sow reproduction, and sometimes these are the factors that producers tend to not pay attention." Meet the guest: Dr. Isabela Bez / isabela-cristina-cola%c3%a7o-bez-1753381b0 is a veterinarian and PhD student in Animal Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her work focuses on swine reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare, with strong expertise in environmental effects on sow performance. She collaborates with international farms and research groups to improve reproductive efficiency through applied science.