K-State’s applied swine nutrition team receives an award for driving progress in swine nutrition and management after decades of success and dedication.
“Increase your water and protein intake, and make sure to get an adequate amount of exercise — no lounging around all day.”
This sounds like a conversation someone might have with their nutrition specialist or personal trainer, but this could just as easily be a farmer or veterinarian talking to a pig! Just like a human, pigs need to “watch their weight” for everyday health and, of course, the best meat performance.
A team of K-State faculty and students has won the 2025 the Don L. Good Impact Award for driving progress in swine nutrition and management for more than three decades. The award named in honor of Good, former head of K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, recognizes impact on the livestock and meat industry.
The team is led by Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Joel DeRouchey, Jason Woodworth, Jordan Gebhardt and Katelyn Gaffield, but it is much larger.
“The K-State applied swine nutrition team encompasses current and former faculty and more than 130 graduate students who are now employed across commercial swine operations, feed and nutritional ingredient suppliers, genetic companies and academia,” said DeRouchey, a swine specialist for K-State Research and Extension.
What does K-State’s applied swine nutrition team do?
It focuses on nutrient requirement modeling, feed ingredient optimization and improved in-barn management. According to the Livestock and Meat Industry Council (LMIC), the team’s greatest impact has been its ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial swine production.
“The K-State applied swine nutrition team has influenced nearly every corner of the pork industry,” said Justin Janssen, LMIC board president. “They’ve advanced science, mentored future leaders and improved profitability and sustainability for producers.”
By Kate Ellwood
Curated from: K-State applied swine nutrition team to receive Don L. Good Impact Award