Tom Smith

“I recommend Tom Smith of the College of the Ozarks for a Dairy Hall of Honors Meritorious Service Award. It is with great pleasure that I speak on behalf of a valued dairy industry contributor,” said Jodi Wright, executive director of the Missouri Holstein Association.

Tom Smith has been active in the Missouri Holstein Association for several decades and is still ready to lend a hand or serve on a committee when called upon. He was an active participant in the organization of the National Holstein Convention when Missouri was host in 1984.

Not only is Tom involved in the Holstein industry but this past year he and the College helped sponsor the Guernsey National Convention and the National Convention Sale.

Tom has also contributed to the Spring Classic Sale, Southern National Show and Sale, Missouri Holstein Futurity, and field days. He has served as treasurer of the Missouri Holstein Association;

The Missouri Holstein Field Day is an annual event sponsored by the state association. “We travel around the state and visit new and innovative dairy operations to garner new and exciting ideas,” Wright said. “In 2004 the College of the Ozarks and Tom Smith volunteered to host the field day.”

“He and his staff went out of their way to make for an outstanding day by providing the meal, acquiring many door prizes, inviting vendors to display their dairy related products, and inviting everyone in attendance to explore the remainder of the campus and its facilities.”

Tom was an integral part in the many dairy judging teams the College of the Ozarks has had over the years. They have taken part in local, regional, and national contests. These young individuals respect Tom and his guidance as they spend many, many hours practicing outside of the classroom.

His guidance of young dairy industry leaders is evident as you view the dairy facility, study the performance of the dairy, and view the high quality cattle house at the College of the Ozarks.

“He is molding the next generation of dairy industry leaders,” Wright said.

“As a relatively new executive director of the Missouri Holstein Association I have looked to Tom for advice and council on important issues and he has guided me with wisdom and compassion.”

Tom is a native of Arkansas having been born in Green Forest Oct. 28, 1948. He worked for two years on a degree at the College of the Ozarks and then completed the work in 1970 at the University of Arkansas and received a degree in dairy science. After completing his degree, he spent two years in the U.S. Army with service in the Viet Nam theater.

At the end of his Army service he enrolled at the University of Arkansas and received a master of science degree in dairy in 1975.

Later in the year he joined the work force at the College of the Ozarks and has spent 35 years working at the College and is now dairy herd and general farm manager and an associate in agriculture.

Tom married Susan Spates in 1975 who grew up on a cotton and soybean farm near Texarkana, Ark. Susan has worked for Century Tel for 30 years.