Ralco Contributes $100,000 Toward New South Dakota State University Swine Research Unit

MARSHALL, MN — While many universities are reducing the size of their swine programs or shuttering them all together, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is making a bold investment in the future of swine production by constructing a state-of-the-art swine research unit. To help enable SDSU’s investment in the next generation of swine production leaders, Ralco has made a $100,000 financial contribution toward the multi-complex facility.

Dr. Bob Thaler, professor and Extension Swine Specialist at SDSU, says the project has received significant state and swine producer support; however, Ralco’s contribution as an allied industry member will help the university reach its goals.

“We can’t thank Ralco enough for their support because that has started our fundraising momentum again,” Thaler says. “We have done really well in our fundraising and now we have plateaued. I believe this contribution from Ralco has provided our fundraising with momentum again. Ralco was one of the first allied industry members to step up and say we want to be part of this, and that step has excited the industry about this project.”

The extensive research facility will include two new complexes focused on reproduction, intensive nutrition and management research. As well as a 1,200-head wean-to-finish barn adapted for large-scale research. The unit will include a classroom and viewing areas that are accessible for public education and outreach efforts to enhance the understanding of the pork production process.

Dr. Jon Holt, swine nutritionist at Ralco, says the contribution will help Ralco achieve its goal of providing a safe and abundant global food supply.

“Increasing global food production will take new technologies and innovation, and we want young people to realize that they can make an impact in agricultural fields. Donating to projects such as the SDSU Swine Teaching and Research Facility supports both of those causes,” Holt says. “We also feel it is important to have close ties to local universities, and SDSU has shown their commitment towards expanding opportunities for educating future employees in agriculture and providing facilities to increase public awareness of swine production.”

Thaler shares the view that educating the next generation of swine experts is critical to a strong swine industry that will continue to meet the needs of the future.

“What is as important as the financial support of this project is Ralco’s trust that we will train good students coming out of here, and we will do good research that will help the industry. It’s not just the financial contribution but it’s Ralco’s belief in us that we are going to do what is right for the industry and that this will be a benefit to the entire swine industry,” Thaler says.

Ralco is a third-generation family owned multinational company with distribution in more than 30 countries. A leading global provider of livestock nutrition, animal health products and crop enhancement products; Ralco supports large segments of the livestock, poultry, aquaculture and crop industries.

Featured

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • Elevating Campus Maintenance: How Power Wash Drones are Transforming Educational Facilities

    As today’s campuses grow larger and more architecturally complex, keeping exteriors clean, safe, and inviting has never been tougher. Facilities leaders are under constant pressure to stretch budgets, meet safety standards, and support sustainability goals—all while tackling the stubborn challenge of exterior cleaning.

  • Case Study Highlights Texas District’s Campus Security Upgrades

    The Taft Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently partnered with Intech Southwest Services to revamp its campus security technology system, according to a news release. Intech has released a case study on its website detailing the process that advanced the district’s technology by more than 20 years in less than three weeks.

  • AP Construction Breaks Ground on Two Projects for Austin ISD

    Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced that it has broken ground on two renovation projects for the Austin Independent School District, according to a news release. The work at McCallum and Anderson High Schools totals 97,350 square feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

Digital Edition