The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) are placing a call for entries in the 2010 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship Program.

The program was introduced in 1990 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Live Hog Futures and to recognize talented and thoughtful students who intend to pursue a career in the pork industry.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a two-year, undergraduate swine program or a four-year college of agriculture curriculum. Students must write a brief letter indicating how they see their role in the pork industry after graduation. In addition, applicants are asked to submit an essay of 750 words or less describing an issue they see confronting the pork industry today or in the future, including their solutions to the challenge. Applicants must also secure two letters of reference from current or former professors or pork industry professionals.

The scholarship program is administered and winners selected by NPPC. Essays are judged on the basis of originality, clarity or expression, persuasiveness, and relevance of topic.

Winners will be announced at the Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, MO on March 4-6, 2010. Four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded.

For additional information go to NPPC or contact John Wrigley at 417-451-6004 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Entries may be sent to: National Pork Producers Council, c/o John Wrigley, P.O. Box 10383, Des Moines, IA 50306-9960. All entries must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2010.