Dr. Bob Thaler is a South Dakota native and has served as Swine Extension Specialist at South Dakota State University since 1988. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SDSU, and his PhD in Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University. Thaler’s research program is diverse, and has focused on providing practical solutions for producers utilizing a collaborative

approach. In 2016 he was instrumental in securing $7.4 million for a new Swine Education & Research facility at SDSU, and an additional $1.9 million in 2025 for two additional nutrition research rooms. Thaler has been recognized as a Fellow by the American Society of Animal Science, is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science, and in 2023 received the Farm Credit

Services of America Endowed Chair in Swine Production at SDSU. Thaler and his wife Karen have 3 children and 9 grandchildren.