The Future of Ag Education and Insights from SDSU’s Dr. Bob Thaler

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by Dr. Bob Thaler of South Dakota State University (SDSU) and President of Pipestone Services, Hannah Walkes, for an in-depth discussion on the future of higher education in agriculture and what it means for the next generation of ag professionals.

With nearly 40 years of experience in animal science, extension, and agricultural education, Dr. Thaler shares how universities have evolved—and where they must go next. The conversation explores how student expectations, work ethic, and learning styles have shifted over time, especially in the wake of digital learning and post-COVID changes. While online tools and technology have created new opportunities, the group emphasizes that hands-on, in-person learning remains critical, particularly in livestock production and swine management.

A major theme of the episode is how SDSU stands out among land-grant universities. From state-of-the-art swine facilities to strong partnerships with organizations like Pipestone and commodity groups, SDSU continues to invest heavily in creating real-world learning environments. The discussion highlights how these investments directly impact student success, workforce readiness, and agricultural innovation.

The episode also dives into agriculture careers beyond the farm, showcasing the wide range of opportunities available today—from production and veterinary medicine to business management, engineering, HR, and precision agriculture. With the rapid growth of precision livestock farming and ag technology, preparing students with both technical and leadership skills is more important than ever.

For farmers, parents, and students, Dr. Thaler offers practical advice on education pathways. He stresses the importance of getting off the farm for education or training, whether through a two-year technical program or a four-year university degree, to gain new perspectives and skills needed to manage modern, complex agricultural businesses.

As Dr. Thaler approaches retirement, he leaves listeners with powerful reflections on leadership, mentorship, gratitude, and purpose, reminding us that developing people—not just production systems—is the key to a sustainable future in agriculture.