Clarence B. Palmer
The recipient of the 1975 Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Award has made many contributions to the dairy industry at the l0 al, state and national level. He as born at Ethlyn, Missouri in 1913 and attended high school at Troy, Missouri. He attended the University Of Missouri a year or two as an agriculture student, then transferred to Cornell University where he received his B.S. in Agriculture degree. His junior year was spent in Hawaii as an exchange student.
He grew up on a dairy farm and returned to the home farm after his college days. A large dairy operation continues on this farm. Our recipient became active in dairy and farm organizations at an early age. He served as a director and as president of Sanitary Milk Producers from 1948-1966. From 1950-1952 as a director and as a member of the Executive Committee, National Milk Producers Federation from 1963-1972. For many years he was a member of the Legislative action committee of the Missouri Farm Bureau. He also served as a Director of the American Dairy Association and also as a member of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture Advisory Committee for dairying. In 1973-74 he was president of the Association of Missouri Dairy Organizations.
A hard worker and a man of sound judgement and courage, when the going is tough, our awardee this year has devoted many days of his life in efforts to improve the economic position of dairymen. Keep in mind he also operated his own herd and a large farming operation. He has received many honors, including the Gamma Sigma Delta Award, presented by the Missouri Chapter for Distinguished Service to Agriculture. Typical of his recognition and appreciation for his efforts are plaques received when he retired from the Board of Mid-America Dairymen and the Board of the National Milk Producers Federation. They read as follows:
“National Milk Producers Federation Has Elected Clarence B. Palmer Honorary Director For Life Outstanding Contributions to The Nations Dairy Industry” and “In recognition for 26 years of unselfish and devoted service to all dairymen in the St. Louis Marketing area, this tribute is presented to Clarence B. Palmer. His many accomplishments so beneficial to dairymen nationwide will always be appreciated. Mid-America Dairymen, Inc. 1948-1974.”
Clarence has recently been elected to the Board of Directors of the Mark Twain Bank, O’Fallon, and is a member of their advisory council and he still is vicepresident of the St. Louis Dairy Council.
He is married and has five children. His oldest son Rich runs the farm with Clarence in an advisory capacity. Clarence started the Blackhawk Valley Shooting preserve in 1968 and gives it close attention.
It is a distinct pleasure to present the Dairy Hall of Honors Award to Clarence B. Palmer. With it goes the thanks and appreciation of Missouri dairymen.