Minnesota Ag Connection - Goodband, Tokach Earn National Animal Science Awards

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Goodband, Tokach Earn National Animal Science Awards
Minnesota Ag Connection - 07/27/2021

Two Kansas State University animal science professors were recently recognized by the American Society of Animal Science at its annual meeting in Louisville, Ky.

Bob Goodband, professor of animal sciences and industry, received the 2021 ASAS Fellow Award for extension, while Tokach -- University Distinguished Professor in animal sciences and industry -- was recognized as the 2021 New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award recipient. Tokach also is serving as ASAS president for 2021-22.

Goodband earned the bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1984. He obtained his master's and doctorate in swine nutrition at K-State, and then joined the department's faculty in 1989.

Goodband's work includes teaching (40%), extension (40%) and research (20%).

Goodband and his co-workers' innovative extension and research programs have led to an intensive on-farm research program that has conducted numerous on-farm trials across the United States. His work has resulted in more than 400 refereed journal papers, nine book chapters, more than 1,000 research reports and Extension publications.

He also teaches swine science and swine nutrition courses and serves as academic advisor to 35-40 undergraduate students each year. Goodband has mentored more than 120 masters and doctoral students and hundreds of undergraduate students.

Tokach received the bachelor's degree in animal science at North Dakota State University, then his master's in swine nutrition at K-State. After obtaining his doctorate in swine nutrition at the University of Minnesota, Tokach returned to K-State in 1991 to join the K-State Research and Extension staff as a livestock specialist.

In 2013, Tokach was promoted to University Distinguished Professor, the highest rank the university bestows its faculty.

His leadership is central to the workings of a progressive swine nutrition research team that has made Kansas State University the "go to" place in applied swine nutrition research. During his nearly 30-year tenure at K-State, Tokach and his team have published more than 400 refereed journal articles and generated more than $20 million in grants and fellowships.

Furthermore, his research program has fostered the growth and development of nearly 100 graduate students, serving as major professor for 24 of them. Tokach has led a highly successful program with a faculty and graduate student team who share his same passion, values, and goals for the swine industry.

"Bob and Mike are exceptionally worthy of this recognition, receiving two of the most prestigious awards given by the American Society of Animal Science," said Mike Day, department head for animal sciences and industry. "The K-State swine team is one of the best sources for unbiased applied research findings and extension education in the U.S. and beyond. Furthermore, this program is a major source of the next generation of swine scientists who serve the pork industry.

"Beyond their excellence in training students through their comprehensive graduate training program, (Goodband) is particularly instrumental in providing current and applicable education to the undergraduate students who choose the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry."

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