The Pork Checkoff awarded scholarships to college students throughout the U.S. with an interest in the swine industry. Of the 22 students recognized for their scholastic merit, leadership activities, industry involvement and plans for a future career in the industry, seven were members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).

NJSA Junior Board President and past National Swine Registry Fieldstaff Intern Corey Carpenter of Red Bluff, Calif., was the top candidate, and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Corey will start working toward a master’s in swine nutrition at Oklahoma State University this summer.

Other NJSA recipients receiving $2,000 scholarships include:

•  NJSA Junior Board member David Ammann of Highland, Ill. David is studying swine nutrition at the University of Illinois.
• Past NJSA Intern Cassie Holloway of Darlington, Md. Cassie is studying swine nutrition at Texas A&M University
• Denise Beam of Elverson, Pa. Denise is studying ag business at the Pennsylvania State University.
• Vance Brown of Port Matilda, Pa. Vance is studying swine genetics at Pennsylvania State University.
• Bailey Farrer of Royal Center, Ind. Bailey is studying swine nutrition at Purdue University in Indiana.
  
• Emily Limes of Bowling Green, Ohio Emily is studying ag environment at Ohio State University. 

 Pork Checkoff awarded students that hailed from 13 states and 14 universities representing seven swine-related career paths to develop the industry’s human capital for the future. 

“Helping to develop the next generation of pork professionals is one of the top issues the Pork Checkoff has identified as critical for the industry’s future,” said Conley Nelson, president of the National Pork Board and producer from Algona, Iowa. “Our ongoing service and obligation to producers includes ensuring that there is a sustainable source of young people ready to take on the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of pork production.  While our industry has made huge strides in recent years, these young people will ultimately help us take our game to the next level.”

To see more information regarding the Pork Checkoff 2013 Pork Industry Scholarships visit pork.org.