Robert F. Thomson, Sr. (1899-1982), Springfield, MO
Robert F. Thomson, Sr., was a pioneer Holstein breeder in the Southwest Missouri area. He began his herd at a time the state, and particularly Southwest Missouri, was nationally recognized as a Jersey stronghold. He not only bred good Holsteins but he actively promoted Holstein activities.
Mr. Thomson was born November 18th, 1899 at LeRoy, Minnesota. His father Frank and his twin brother moved to Missouri in 1903 when Robert was a small child and settled in the Springfield area. Robert’s first registered Holsteins were bred by his father Frank Thomson. From this beginning he developed a Holstein herd that first gained national recognition in 1945 when it ranked third in the nation for size with an average of 563.8 lbs. butterfat. The Robthom prefix was reserved in 1933 and his herd received the Progressive Breeders Registry Award in 1950 and 1952. These are the only two years that are not included in the some 30 years consecutive years the present Robthom herd, ably operated by Robert F. Thomson, Jr., and his family, on an adjoining farm have been recognized by this prestigious award.
Mr. Thomson served as secretary-treasurer of the Southwest District during the 1930’s and was president in 1939-40-41. He was a director of the State Association from 1939-49; vice-president 1940-44, and president in 1945. He was instrumental in starting the Missouri State Sale and served on the State Sale Committee from 1939 thru 1947. He was a member of the National Holstein Association for over 40 years.
Mr. Thomson was married in 1920 to the former Garnett Krieder. The couple became the parents of three children; two sons Robert, Jr., and Royal both of Springfield; a daughter Doris Lee Bishop of Urbana, Missouri. The family has grown, the senior Thomsons now have 11 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four greatÂgreat-grandchildren.
Robert Thomson, Sr. was a quiet, unassuming, hard-working man that demonstrated by example that Holsteins do have a place in Ozark farming if ample supplies of legume roughage and silage are produced. Proper feeding combined with a sound breeding program, based on strong cow families and the use of superior sires, plus superb management are the key factors, that have made the Robthom herd today one of the foremost in the world. He left a heritage that few can equal.