IPPA Director of Membership Mike Borgic says the grant initiative aims to entice youth to learn more about pigs and consider a career in the pork industry.
"We're looking for something that would further what we know about pigs," Borgic said. "So these schools can be doing research on pig production and ways to benefit the industry, whether that's nutrition-based. Some high schools may want to start a swine project within their school."
Borgic says this is a new grant process for the state.
"These grants are funded by the Illinois Pork Checkoff, this is done through the IPPA with Checkoff dollars received throughout the year," Borgic said. He hopes schools are interested in the grant opportunity.
"Seeing if we can get some more talented people in the pork industry," Borgic said.
The IPPA represents Illinois's pig farmers and is funded by the National Pork Checkoff program, membership dollars, and events throughout the year.
"The big one coming up is the Illinois State Fair. We run the pork patio there, and that's a big fundraiser for us," Borgic said. "We represent the pork producers on a variety of issues. We're also here for education and promotion."
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Illinois State Statistician Mark Schleusener says there are around 1,678 pig farmers in the state. The data is from the end of 2022 in the Census of Agriculture.
The deadline to apply for grants is September 30th.
