Growing up on a diversified livestock and grain farm in North Dakota
taught Dr. Mike Tokach many of the practical day-to-day problems that
livestock producers can encounter. In his position as a swine
extension specialist and researcher, Mike has the opportunity to help
producers solve those problems. Following completion of a bachelor
degree in Animal Science at North Dakota State University in 1986,
Mike earned a Masters degree in swine nutrition at Kansas State
University in 1988. After completing his doctorate in swine
nutrition at the University of Minnesota in March 1991, Mike joined
the staff of K-State Research and Extension as a livestock
specialist. His position has evolved from a 100% extension position
to the current 60% extension and 40% research appointment. Mike was
promoted to associate professor in 1995 and full professor in 2001.
He assumed the additional role of Extension State Leader for Animal
Sciences and Industry in July, 2005.
Mike's focus is transferring information to swine producers and
conducting practical nutrition research. He is a member of a highly
productive swine team. Mike has presented invited seminars at over
190 animal and veterinary science meetings around the world in
addition to numerous presentations to local producer groups. Mike has
authored or co-authored 123 refereed journal papers, 320 abstracts,
492 extension publications, and 4 book chapters. In 2005, Mike was
named one of the 50 people that have made the greatest impact on the
swine industry in the last 50 years by the National Hog Farmer
Magazine.
Mike's wife, Lisa, also specializes in swine as a veterinarian in the Abilene Animal Hospital. Mike and Lisa have three children, Sage, Rogan, and Fiona.
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