Larry Purdom
Larry Purdom has been a leader in dairy marketing circles and a supporter of dairy cooperatives for more than 25 years.
So states Gary Hanman, president and chief executive officer of Dairy Farmers of America in his letter supporting Larry’s nomination for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Dairy Leadership Award.
“Larry’s leadership became apparent as a participant in Mid-America Dairymen’s Young Cooperator Program,” Gary continued. “From this beginning early in his life Larry has continued his support for cooperative marketing as an active member of Mid-America Dairymen”.
“He served as a member of the Mid-America Dairymen’s executive committee for three years and as a treasurer of our cooperative,” he said. “Larry was one of the initial proponents of the creation of Dairy Farmers of America. He served on the steering committee that organized and agreed on the structure for governance and financing of the new dairy marketing cooperative.”
“I can testify to the fact that on many occasions Larry has given up needed attention to his own dairy operation to attend to cooperative business and thus putting the good of all dairymen ahead of his own individual gain and profit.”
“This is a sign of a true leader,” Gary said, “and I recommend him for the Dairy Hall of Honors Leadership Award without reservation.”
Larry was born Dec. 13, 1942 in Cassville and attended Purdy High School and Drury College. He married Alice Sanders in 1961 at Wheaton. The Purdoms have two daughters and both live in Purdy. Rhonda Windes is a partner in the Purdom dairy operation and Teresa Roller is employed by Schrieber Cheese, Monett.
Larry became a fulltime dairy farmer in 1961 and currently has a herd of 140 registered Holsteins in his milking herd. The herd average is 20,000 to 23,000 pounds. For three years Larry was president of the Southwest Missouri Holstein Association.
He is a recognized as an outstanding judge of dairy cattle and has judged shows at local, state, and national levels.
The Barry County dairyman is a long time member of the Missouri Dairy Association and currently serves as its president. He is active in his local Farm Bureau and has served as its vice president. The FFA has awarded Larry the status of honorary area FFA Chapter Farmer for his work and support of local youth activities.
His influence is felt at the national level as he has testified before committees of the United States Congress concerning dairy legislation and with officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture on dairy programs.
The Missouri Dairy Association joined with Gary Hanman in nominating Larry for the Hall of Honors Dairy Leadership Award.
The Purdoms attend the Monett Church of Christ and they live in Purdy, Mo.