The Maschhoffs, Inc., (TMI) in Carlyle, Ill., recognizes that young swine enthusiasts are the future of the pork industry and that many of today's youth are not exposed to commercial swine production.

The TMI Pork Production Scholarship offers youth participating in purebred and commercial swine activities the opportunity to interact with one of the nation's largest pork producers.

The scholarship is open to National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) members ages 18 to 21 who are or will be enrolled in an agricultural program at a recognized college or university.

Applicants are required to write a 750- to 1,000-word essay describing "The Major Challenge/Opportunity for Tomorrow's Pork Industry." The essay must be double spaced and typed.

The winners will be recognized at the National Junior Summer Spectacular in July 2008.

The first-place winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship and the second-place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Both winners also will receive and complete a one-week internship with TMI by the end of the 2008-09 school year. All travel, meals and housing expenses will be paid by TMI.

After completion of the internship, the scholarship winners and their TMI mentor(s) will complete a minimum 500-word essay describing what they have learned from the experience.

Applications are due to the National Swine Registry office by May 23.

For more information, contact Jennifer Shike, the National Swine Registry's director of junior activities, at (765) 463-3594 or jennifer@nationalswine.com.