By Blake Jackson
The Kansas State University applied swine nutrition team has been named the 2025 recipient of the Don L. Good Impact Award. This honor is presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council Inc. (LMIC) to recognize significant contributions to the livestock and meat industry.
The award acknowledges the team’s over 30 years of service in swine nutrition, applied research, and student mentorship. Their work has had a lasting impact on the pork industry by connecting science with practical farming.
The team is led by Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Joel DeRouchey, Jason Woodworth, Jordan Gebhardt, and Katelyn Gaffield. However, the group includes many more, including over 130 graduate students who now work in top swine companies, nutrition suppliers, genetics, and universities.
“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.
Graduates of the program now lead nutrition programs in 15 of the top 20 U.S. swine production systems. The team continues to work with four of the remaining five, showing their wide influence in 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.”
The award will be presented during the K-State Department of Animal Science and Industry’s Family & Friends Reunion on October 18 at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan. The recognition celebrates decades of innovation, industry collaboration, and educational excellence.
Photo Credit: kansas-state-university
Categories: Kansas, Business, Livestock, Hogs