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Innovation Takes the Lead: Dr. Chad Stahl Joins Standard Nutrition Services Leadership Team 

The swine and poultry nutrition company has appointed Dr. Chad Stahl to a newly formed role, and the mission is clear: drive innovation and deliver solutions that producers can count on.


SIOUX FALLS, SD (October 10, 2025) — Producers know that progress doesn’t come from standing still. That’s why Standard Nutrition Services has named Dr. Chad Stahl its Director of Innovation—a newly formed role designed to turn fresh ideas into practical solutions for swine and poultry operations.

Over the past year, Standard Nutrition Services has been listening closely to customers who make it clear that innovation and trust go hand-in-hand, and are critical components for the future of swine and poultry production. The result: a dedicated leadership role to keep the business focused on turning research into real-world solutions.

For Stahl, joining Standard Nutrition Services wasn’t just a career move. This was a chance to align his passion for innovation with a company committed to helping producers win.

“Innovation is not optional in this business,” Stahl said. “Producers face uncertainty every day, whether it’s market pressures, health threats, or regulatory changes. My goal is to make sure we stay ahead of the curve, bringing research-backed solutions that are practical, profitable, and proven.”

A Career Built on Science and Strategy

Dr. Stahl brings a rare combination of academic leadership and commercial strategy to his new role. After earning his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell University, he spent more than two decades leading groundbreaking research programs focused on swine nutrition, developmental programming and intestinal health.

As Professor and Chair at the University of Maryland and a longtime faculty member at both North Carolina State University and Iowa State University, Stahl led multi-disciplinary research teams, secured more than $5.8 million in extramural funding, and authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications. His research has informed everything from nutrient metabolism to alternatives to antibiotics, helping to shape modern swine nutritional science.

Most recently, as Global Head of Sales and Strategy at the Italy-based organization Vetagro, Stahl translated that scientific expertise and leadership experience into commercial growth while guiding R&D collaborations across multiple continents.

“I’ve spent my career at the intersection of research and real-world application,” said Dr. Stahl. “My goal at Standard Nutrition Services is to make sure that the science we stand behind drives better outcomes on farms.”

Innovation with Producers at the Center

As Director of Innovation, Dr. Stahl will lead efforts to bring emerging ideas to producer’s barns, not just the lab. His focus will be on testing and validating nutrition strategies alongside producers, ensuring that recommendations are grounded in practical success.

“Not every new idea will work perfectly that first time, and that’s okay,” Stahl said. “Our responsibility is to do the hard work of proving what really delivers value. That means partnering with producers to validate solutions in real production environments, so when we recommend something, it’s because we’ve seen the impact ourselves.”

No task will be more crucial than delivering research-backed recommendations tailored to every farm’s goals.

“We’ve always been grounded in science, but we knew we needed to elevate our innovation pipeline,” said Kyle Schuman, President of Standard Nutrition Services. “Chad’s track record in bridging science and real-world solutions is exactly what our team and customers need. His leadership will help ensure we remain a partner producers can rely on for expertise, confidence, and forward-thinking nutrition strategies.”

A Steady Foundation for What Comes Next

Dr. Stahl’s appointment marks the latest in a series of leadership changes at Standard Nutrition Services. In August, Schuman was named President, and TJ Williams assumed the role of Regional Business Manager. Together, these transitions reflect the 139-year-old company’s renewed commitment to serving its customers.

Today, Standard Nutrition Services focuses exclusively on swine and poultry nutrition consulting, diet formulation, and facility management support. Backed by more than a century of agricultural leadership, the team remains dedicated to helping producers improve efficiency, animal health, and profitability.

“As we start a new fiscal year, we’re building a stronger foundation for the future,” added Schuman. “Innovation, clarity, and trust will define how we serve producers moving forward.”