Dr. Max Thornsberry graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in May 1977. Dr. Thornsberry classifies himself as a country practitioner with a love for food animal medicine and livestock production management. He owned and managed a preconditioning feedlot for 18 years in southern Missouri. Thornsberry retired from active veterinary practice in February 2023.
He authored Dairy Calf Production Protocol, a reference for calf raisers in dairy calf and dairy beef production systems from birth to 300 pounds. He also co-edited the March 2022 edition of Veterinary Clinics-Food Animal Practice, Raising Commercial Dairy Calves, a veterinary practice reference book.
Thornsberry and his wife, Brenda, have been married for over 50 years and were high school sweethearts. They have two children, Jonathan and Jessica. Jonathan, a board-certified family practitioner, lives in Ozark, Missouri, with his wife, Holli, son Jacob, and daughters Jordan, Johanna and Jensen. Jessica serves as counselor for several school districts in St. Charles, Missouri. Her husband, Travis, daughters Stella and Margot, and sons Isaiah Max and Frank Leland complete the family.
Thornsberry is a past president of the R-CALF USA Board of Directors. He currently serves as parliamentarian and chair of the Animal Health Committee.