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KSU ASI Weekly Update

Author: Emily Grund

K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy

Posted on by Emily Grund

Front row (left to right) – Madeline Drake, staff; Elsie Rickstrew, Wamego; Jordan Tucker, Buffalo, MO; Izabelle Bacon, Pittsburg; Addison Townsend-Steffen, Larned; Erica Lieb, Courtland; Karlie Jo Gibb, Strong City; Grace Mitchell, Emmet, NE. Back Row – Carson Corwin, staff; Lexi Averhoff, Garden City; Owen Donley, Kanopolis; Kayson McAfee, Quinlan, TX; Layton Homm, Wiley, CO; Ethan Smith, Olathe; Anthony Korte, Leon; Kaylynn Vogts, staff; Sharon Breiner, staff. Not pictured: Cruz Donley, Kanopolis.

View event photos here.

High school students gathered on the Kansas State University campus last week to gain livestock industry knowledge and develop leadership skills. These participants comprised a cohort of the annual K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy (KASLA) June 11-14 in Manhattan, Kansas.

Hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) and sponsored by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council, the academy’s goal is to develop young leaders within the livestock industry and prepare them for a successful future in this field.

This year’s class included: Lexi Averhoff, Garden City; Izabelle Bacon, Pittsburg; Cruz Donley, Kanopolis; Owen Donley, Kanopolis; Karlie Jo Gibb, Strong City; Layton Homm, Wiley, CO; Anthony Korte, Leon; Erica Lieb, Courtland; Kayson McAfee, Quinlan, TX; Grace Mitchell, Emmet, NE; Elsie Rickstrew, Wamego; Ethan Smith, Olathe; Addison Townsend-Steffen, Larned; and Jordan Tucker, Buffalo, MO.

During their time at the KASLA, students participated in interactive leadership development and educational lab sessions led by faculty members from across the K-State campus. The KASLA included a day of livestock industry tours with stops including Cross Country Genetics, Tiffany Cattle Company, Kansas Livestock Association, Bichelmeyer Meats, and the American Royal. Students also toured university farms and K-State facilities as well. Participants completed the college experience by staying on campus in Marlatt Hall.

For their final project, the students were divided into groups during the week to focus on current issues affecting the livestock industry. Faculty mentors from the K-State ASI assisted each group. Using information they learned throughout the academy, the groups were asked to present their subject as part of the closing reception on the final day. On Saturday family, friends and members of the K-State community gathered for the closing reception to honor the graduates and hear their thoughts on these important livestock issues.

You can find out more information about the academy and future programs by visiting Youth Livestock Program. For questions, contact academy director Sharon Breiner at sbreiner@ksu.edu or 785-532-6533.

 

Champions Livestock Judging Camp

Posted on by Emily Grund

The 2025 Champions Livestock Judging Camp has wrapped up after two action-packed weeks here in Manhattan. Each group brought together motivated youth full of energy, determination and a winning mindset as they fine-tuned their judging skills and embraced new challenges.

We’re grateful to everyone who played a role in making this camp a success — from our incredible team and volunteers to the families who supported these future leaders. It’s inspiring to see such talent and passion shaping the future of our industry. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

View photos from each camp at the links below.

Camp One

Camp Two

United Animal Health Honors Tokach as 2025 John B. Swisher Leadership Award Winner

Posted on by Emily Grund

United Animal Health Honors Tokach as 2025 John B. Swisher Leadership Award Winner

Mike Tokach uses his deep understanding of the day-to-day issues that livestock producers face to through those issues using his swine nutrition and research knowledge.

https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/united-animal-health-honors-tokach-2025-john-b-swisher-leadership-award-winner

Story & Photo By: Jennifer Shike

Mike Tokach was honored by United Animal Health at the World Pork Expo with the 2025 John B. Swisher Leadership Award, celebrating his lifelong contributions to the swine industry.

“Mike has made a significant impact on the swine industry through his research in swine nutrition and production management, as well as through his work in developing future leaders,” says Matt Ritter, senior vice president of research and development at United Animal Health. “He is closely connected to the needs of commercial swine producers and is always researching timely and relevant topics.”

His unmatched experience and dedication make him a highly respected figure in the industry, United Animal Health says.

“I am delighted to honor the remarkable work of Dr. Mike Tokach this year,” says Doug Webel, president and CEO of United Animal Health. “Tokach is devoted to this industry and continues to make an impact, especially through the many graduate students he has mentored and guided to success at Kansas State.”

It Takes a Team
Presented annually during World Pork Expo, this award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the swine industry and who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout their career.

“I am honored and humbled by the nomination and selection,” Tokach says. “United Animal Health has honored some outstanding people with this award over the years. Any success I’ve had is because of the team of people that I have been fortunate to be associated with. I am thrilled to accept the award in recognition of those team efforts.”

United Animal Health donated $5,000 in Tokach’s honor to the Kansas State University Foundation, in support of the Swine Team Legacy Endowment.

Tokach completed a bachelor’s degree in animal science at North Dakota State University in 1986 and earned a master’s degree in swine nutrition at Kansas State University in 1988. He completed a doctorate in swine nutrition at the University of Minnesota in March 1991.

Tokach specializes in practical swine nutrition research and works with producers to facilitate the quick adoption of technology by the industry. In addition, his deep understanding of the day-to-day issues that livestock producers may face helps him work through those issues using his swine nutrition and research knowledge.

“The John B. Swisher Leadership Award has been awarded to some of the greatest movers and shakers in the swine industry and Dr. Mike Tokach would fit right in with past winners,” says Devin Goehring, associate research scientist at United Animal Health. “Dr. Tokach has a true passion for our industry and is a natural lifelong learner who has never turned away from new ideas or concepts.”

Departmental News – June 17

Posted on by Emily Grund

 

Unclassified Staff Position(s):

University Support Staff Position(s):

None at this time.

Department Student Employment Position(s):

https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.

Upcoming Events

Posted on by Emily Grund

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Facebook: @ksuasi
X: @KSUASI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksuasi/

June 28 – FAMACHA© Training
July 11-12 – Dr. Bob Hines Kansas Swine Classic – CiCo Park, Manhattan, KS
July 19 – K-State Meat Science Grilling Academy – Manhattan, KS
August 23-24 – 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes – Manhattan, KS
September 25 – Beef Stocker Field Day – Manhattan, KS
September 26-27 – Celebrate Agriculture Day – Manhattan, KS
October 18 – ASI Family & Friends Reunion – Manhattan, KS

To submit information for future updates, visit https://forms.gle/iuH4eCKt4hCxCgDU8

Open House Swine Research and Teaching Center

Posted on by Emily Grund
The Swine Research and Teaching Center at Kansas State University has opened a new swine nursery facility, replacing a structure that served the university for more than five decades. This modern facility reflects a continued commitment to advancing research, teaching, and outreach in the swine industry. It marks a significant step forward in helping producers across Kansas and beyond improve efficiency and profitability. 🐷

Save the Date: Family & Friends Reunion

Posted on by Emily Grund

K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team to Receive Don L. Good Impact Award

Make plans to attend the K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Manhattan.

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A team of current and former Kansas State University faculty members and students that has driven progress in swine nutrition and management for more than three decades has been named the 2025 recipient of the Don L. Good Impact Award.

The K-State applied swine nutrition team will be recognized at the K-State Department of Animal Science and Industry’s Family & Friends Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan.

The award, presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council Inc., is named in honor of Good, former head of K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, to recognize positive impact on the livestock and meat industry or agriculture.

In announcing this year’s award, LMIC cited the K-State applied swine nutrition team’s longstanding impact of innovative research, industry collaboration and commitment to student development that continues to shape swine nutrition practices across the globe.

The team is currently led by Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Joel DeRouchey, Jason Woodworth, Jordan Gebhardt, and Katelyn Gaffield, but in actuality, it is much larger than those six.

“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.

For more than 30 years, the team has driven progress in swine nutrition and management through applied research that addresses real-world challenges. Their work in nutrient requirement modeling, feed ingredient optimization, and improved in-barn management through both university and large-scale field trials has become a cornerstone of the program to enhance efficiency and profitability for swine producers.

According to a news release from the LMIC, the team’s greatest impact has been its ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial swine production. Their leadership builds on a strong foundation shaped by faculty and students whose contributions helped establish and grow the program’s reputation and reach.

Graduates of the program lead nutrition programs for 15 of the 20 largest swine production systems in the U.S. The team conducts research with four of the remaining five, meaning they maintain active relationships with 19 of the top 20 systems nationwide. Their influence helps develop students in the classroom and through research to decision-making careers across the industry.

“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. The LMIC is honored to recognize them with the Don L. Good Impact Award.”

More information, along with registration for the Oct. 18 K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion, will be available online at www.asi.k-state.edu/familyandfriends, and the reunion’s social media channels.

Voices of #KSUASI Podcast – End of Year Recap

Posted on by Emily Grund

We’re missing the energy of students around Weber and Call Hall, but this episode brings it all back. Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Avery Eckhoff & Weston Schrader the student who helped launch the podcast. From standout stories to favorite moments, they reflects on what it took to bring Voices of #KSUASI to life.

🎧 Tune in now for a look back at a year filled with legacy, laughter and student-led storytelling. Listen now: https://bit.ly/4jwp3Xk

Departmental News – May 23

Posted on by Emily Grund

New Member of #KSUASI Family: Congratulations to the Crabtree Family!  Porter Joseph Crabtree arrived May 13th.  He is 7lbs, 11 oz. and 20.5 inches long.  Mom and Dad report everyone is doing well!

Temporary closures of Claflin and Old Claflin roads – This summer, portions of Claflin and Old Claflin roads will temporarily be closed due to construction activities for the new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation and the Strong Complex renovation project. These closures will affect all forms of transportation, including pedestrian, and access to surrounding buildings.

Unclassified Staff Position(s):

University Support Staff Position(s):

None at this time.

Department Student Employment Position(s):

https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.

#KSUASI Outstanding Seniors

Posted on by Emily Grund

The Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) is proud to announce seven students as the 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors. This newly introduced award honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academics, industry engagement, leadership and service to the department. It complements the existing Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior Award by recognizing a broader range of student achievements.

Created to recognize students whose achievements reflect the wide range of opportunities within the animal sciences field, the award highlights individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the department and who show strong potential for continued leadership in the industry.

“These students represent the diverse opportunities within our department and the dedication it takes to make the most of them,” said Dr. Mike Day, ASI department head. “We are proud of the impact they’ve made during their time at K-State and confident that they will continue to contribute meaningfully to the future of animal agriculture.”

The 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors are:

Grace Fike – Westmoreland, Kansas
Fike built a strong foundation in animal science through academic involvement, industry internships, and leadership experiences. She served as the office assistant for the ASI event coordinator and participated in undergraduate research with K-State and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She was a member of the Meat Judging Team, ASI Mentors, Gamma Phi Beta and St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. Fike interned with Schwartz Farms Swine Production and Merck Animal Health. After graduation, she will begin her career with Cargill on the diet formulation team.

August Hulse – Culver, Kansas
Hulse gained hands-on experience at the K-State Meat Lab and Booth Creek Wagyu, where he developed a strong interest in beef processing. He was a member of the 2024 national champion Meat Judging Team, as well as the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. He also served as an Ag Ambassador, Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Fellow, and student senator. After graduation, he plans to continue his work with Booth Creek Wagyu.

Meghan Garren – Penn Valley, California
Garren brings a diverse range of experiences, including veterinary internships at Northern Hills Clinic, Red Lodge Clinic, and Big Hollow Hospital. She served as an undergraduate research assistant for the K-State Swine Nutrition Team. Garren was active on campus as an ASI Mentor, a member of the Pre-Vet Club, and the founder and president of the K-State Country Dancing Club. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Ava Perrier – Eureka, Kansas
Perrier pursued hands-on opportunities in the beef industry, including internships and leadership roles. At K-State, she participated on the Collegiate Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, the national champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team, and the Meat Judging Team. She was an active member of ASI Mentors, Sigma Kappa sorority and the K-State Student Alumni Board. She completed internships with Cargill Animal Nutrition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the American Gelbvieh Association. After graduation, she will join Cargill Animal Nutrition as a management associate.

Samantha Schwindt – Hillsboro, Kansas
Schwindt focused her undergraduate career on biosciences, completing the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Laboratorian Training Program and working as a student lab assistant in the Biosecurity Research Institute. She was involved in ASI Mentors, Dairy Science Club, Dairy Judging Team, Cultivating Change, and served as a student fellow with the Center for Risk Management. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in biosciences and continue serving the animal agriculture industry.

Lauren Thompson – Woodville, Wisconsin
Thompson engaged in experiential learning within the livestock industry, gaining practical experience through internships and involvement in academic and leadership programs. She competed on the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Meat Judging Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. She served as the Kansas Youth Livestock Program intern and held leadership roles as president of Blue Key Senior Honorary, president of the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, ASI Mentors, and Student Foundation. She will continue her education at K-State, pursuing a master’s degree in small ruminant immunology.

Katrina Turner – Derby, Kansas
Turner was selected as the Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior. During her time in the department, she was a member of the champion Academic Quadrathlon Team, national champion Meat Judging Team, Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, and Wool Judging Team. She was actively involved in Block and Bridle and served as an Ag Ambassador. Turner gained hands-on experience working in the K-State Meat Muscle Biology Lab and at the Sheep & Meat Goat Center. She also completed an internship with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. After graduation, she will begin graduate studies at Texas A&M University as a graduate assistant on the Resilient Rancher Project.

https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/news/25_OutstandingSeniors.html