Wisconsin Pork Association Scholarship

Southwest Wisconsin Pork Producers Scholarship Due April 1, 2025

The Southwest Wisconsin Pork Producers is committed to developing the next generation of pork producers and leaders. Furthermore, they understand the significant role that a high-quality agricultural education plays in the future of our industry. Therefore, in 2021 this scholarship was established. It is open to high school or college students from Grant, Iowa, or Lafayette Counties in Wisconsin.

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to high school and college students from Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties in Wisconsin.
• Must have shown dedication and involvement within the swine industry.
• Pursuing a career/degree in an agricultural-related field.
• A student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in high school or college.
• Attach one letter of recommendation.

Fredrich Memorial / WPA Scholarship

The family of Clarence Fredrich, through funding from the Southeast Wisconsin Pork Producers, is sponsoring three scholarships recognizing high school seniors and college freshmen pursuing a career in agriculture. Clarence was actively involved in the SE WI Pork Producers Association, very supportive of youth programming in agriculture and community events and activities.

Up to three scholarships will be given to high school seniors or college freshmen from Walworth, Racine and Kenosha Counties. The scholarships recognize the value of leadership in ag projects, programs, events and activities.

Eligibility Requirements

• All applicants must be high school seniors or college freshmen.
• Applicants must be pursuing a post-high school education, i.e. college, technical college, short course, etc. and have a sincere interest in agriculture.
• Applicants must reside in Walworth, Racine, or Kenosha County.

Whitmore Memorial Scholarship

Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with Marian Whitmore, established a Whitmore Memorial Fund in August of 1991. The late Rex Whitmore was a master statesman and communicator throughout the swine industry. He served as Poland China fieldman, test station manager, swine judge, and first executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. Rex was always willing to help a young person with a swine project. Rex was a real leader. His enthusiasm and positive attitude were strengths he was well known for. Rex will be missed, but his memory will live on through this scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a registered junior or senior in college at one of the following University of Wisconsin campuses:

• Madison
• Platteville
• River Falls
• Preference given to a Wisconsin resident.
• Priority given to those applicants pursuing an Animal Science major or closely related major.

Criteria considerations include, but not limited to:

• Grade point applicants should be in top one-third of class.
• Extra-curricular activities demonstrate leadership and ability to share knowledge.
• Career orientation
• Financial need

Gunderson Memorial Scholarship

Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, established a scholarship program in 2007 to recognize the many contributions that Buell Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. As a swine herdsman for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for more than 30 years, Buell Gunderson was instrumental in helping shape not only the swine industry, but also hundreds of 4-H and FFA youth and university students through his teaching, judging, coaching, and commitment. In addition, Gunderson, together with his wife, Bernice, served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Wisconsin Pork Association for 20-plus years and assisted in growing the organization from its initial roots to the successful organization that it is today sponsoring scholarships, developing youth programs, and helping to support the pork producers of the state.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate considerable dedication and involvement to the pork industry.

Consideration will be given to individuals who have established their own production herd, been involved on their family operation, or shown specific interest in pork production or livestock judging.

Priority will be given to applicants who are beginning pork producers or pursuing an Animal Science, agricultural production, or closely related major. Students who are attending college out of state but were originally or remain a Wisconsin resident may also apply.

Criteria may include, but not limited to:

• Industry Activities
• Career Orientation
• Financial Need

Neil Dierks Scholarship

The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF) is pleased to announce the 2023 Neil Dierks Scholarship, which is sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation and is managed and administered by the National Pork Producers Council.

One $5,000 scholarship is annually awarded to a student who intends to pursue a career in the pork industry with hopes that they may emerge as a future pork industry leader.

Eligibility Requirements

Be a current or (applied for acceptance) graduate student in a swine program.

Lois Britt Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, initiated in 1990, was renamed in honor of NPPC Board of Director Lois Britt, upon her passing in 2006. A lifetime supporter of agriculture, Lois spent 34 years with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, and 15 years working in Public and Government Relations with Murphy-Brown LLC (now Smithfield). The scholarship is sponsored by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation and managed and administered by the National Pork Producers Council.

Ten $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to students who intend to pursue a career in the pork industry and who exhibit characteristics representative of future pork industry leaders.

All entries must be submitted by DECEMBER 10, 2024, to be accepted.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Current undergraduate student in a two-year swine program or four-year college of agriculture and
2. U.S. citizen. High school students are not eligible.

How to Apply

A cover sheet with the following information:

• Name of Applicant
• Name of School
• Year in School
• Contact Information (home & school mailing address, telephone number & e-mail address)
• Brief letter indicating what role the applicant sees themselves playing in the pork industry after graduation.
• An essay of 750 words or less describing an issue the applicant sees confronting the pork industry today or in the future, including offering their solutions.
• Essays are judged on the basis of clarity and expression, persuasiveness, originality, and relevance of topic.
• Two letters of reference from current or former professors or industry professionals.