National Milk Producers Federation

Established in 1916, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is the oldest farm commodity organization in the United States and represents the interests of dairy cooperatives that are owned and operated by dairy farm families. NMPF provides a forum through which these dairy farmers and cooperatives may formulate national policy on issues affecting the production of milk and dairy beef.

NMPF's Board of Directors offers several scholarships each year to qualified graduate students (enrolled in Masters or Ph.D. programs) who are actively pursuing dairy-related fields of research that are of immediate interest to NMPF member cooperatives. Graduate students pursuing research of direct benefit to milk marketing cooperatives and dairy producers are encouraged to submit an application (applicants do not need to be members of NMPF to qualify). Recommended fields of study include but are not limited to:

Applications are available for this year's scholarship program. To qualify for an NMPF scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. To begin the application process, fill out the application form (PDF) and complete the following steps:

1. Prepare a research proposal describing your research interest. The proposal when double-spaced should not exceed five pages. The proposal should include background information, problem statements, research objectives, expected budget, potential findings, and benefits. As part of the proposal, include a timeline outlining the different stages of your proposed research. Also, please provide your academic advisor’s mailing address and phone number.
   
2. As part of the proposal, describe how your research will benefit dairy cooperatives, producers, and the U.S. dairy industry.
   
3. Identify other sources of financial assistance that you expect to receive in association with your research proposal.
   
4. Obtain at least two letters of recommendation to be mailed with your application packet.
   
5. Provide your curriculum vitae.
   
   

When complete, application packets should be mailed to:

National Milk Producers Federation
Attn: Sarah Olson, Scholarship Program
2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201

Materials must be received by April 26, 2010. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the National Milk Producers Federation’s Board of Directors no later than June 9, 2010, and will be notified soon afterwards. Payment will be made to coincide with the start of the 2010/2011 academic year.

If you have any questions about the NMPF scholarship, please call the NMPF office at 703.243.6111, or email Sarah Olson.