Continuing Education Resources
Scholarships
2026 applications are now open until Friday, May 15, 2026.
Apply below!
Minnesota pig farmers believe in investing in the next generation. Since launching its scholarship program in 2011, the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) has awarded more than $85,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers connected to agriculture and pork.
Today, MPB offers two scholarship opportunities that support students interested in the many fields that contribute to pig farming and agriculture.
Each scholarship provides $1,500 in financial support, with the opportunity to earn an additional $500 by participating in Minnesota Pork events and leadership opportunities.
These scholarships are made possible by Minnesota pig farmers through their Checkoff investment.
Applications for 2026 are open from March 25 – May 15, 2026.
A committee made up of Minnesota Pork Board of Directors members will review applications and select the recipients. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone by Friday, May 29.
If you have questions regarding this program or application, please contact Bailey Ruen, Director of Communications at 507-345-8814 or bailey@mnpork.com.
Voice of Pork Scholarship
For students interested in:
- Communications
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Education
- Advocacy
- Related fields
Growing Ag Scholarship
For students interested in:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agriculture Business
- Related fields
Requirements for Consideration
- Must be an undergraduate student (completing freshman through senior years) at a two- or four-year college or university.
- Must demonstrate an interest in the pork industry through coursework, internships, farm experience, involvement in ag-related organizations, research, or similar experiences.
- Must be a resident of Minnesota.
- Previous Minnesota Pork scholarship recipients are ineligible to enter.
Application Requirements
- Applications must be submitted through the online form by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late applications will not be considered.
- All application materials must be submitted together as one complete application. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- Applicants may only submit one application.
Selection Process
- Minnesota Pork staff will initially review the applications to ensure applicants meet minimum requirements. Copies of the applications will then be sent to scholarship committee members.
- Each application will be evaluated based on established criteria, including experience, leadership, creativity, and overall fit.
- Final recipients will be selected based on combined scores from the committee.
Scholarship Recipients
- Recipients will be notified by phone in late May.
- Recipients will be recognized through Minnesota Pork communications, including social media, digital platforms, and events.
- Recipients will be invited to participate in the following three Minnesota Pork events for the possibility to earn an additional $500 scholarship: the Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference (YLAC), volunteering at the Minnesota State Fair, and the Minnesota Pork Congress Awards Reception.
