Tom Oelrichs

Tom is a fourth-generation dairymen currently producing Grade A milk on the 1,200-acre “O-Rich Dairy” Holstein farm in Mora just outside of Cole Camp, Missouri, in which he farms with his brother Randy and nephew Russ. The 245-acre “home place” is designated a Century farm, having been purchased by Tom’s great grandparents in 1903. They take pride in maintaining profitability through sustainability initiatives on-farm. Managing the dairy and cropping enterprises in a complementary approach allows the resources to be maximized. All three partners themselves in working towards the betterment of the farm to ensure continuation through the generations.

Tom has used his passion for the dairy industry for many years. He has generously offered his time to the co-op, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) in a variety of roles throughout the years including: DFA’s Corporate Resolutions Committee from 2008 to 2013, the Corporate Governance Review Committee in 2017 and the Base/Excess Study Committee in 2018. Tom currently maintains his role as DFA Central Council member, since 2013; and Corporate board member since 2018.

Tom also represents dairy producers as a member of the Midwest Dairy Promotion Board, currently serving as Treasurer, and was pivotal in the creation of Missouri Dairy, where he served as Board Chairman in 2020-2021.

Tom has also been a leader in his community. He has served on the county farm service agency board, 9 years; Lake creek volunteer fire past chairman and currently continues his 20+ years on the board of directors; Chairman Cole Camp Ambulance district board since 2012; and Cole Camp R-1 school board for 15 years. Following completion, he continued to serve youth education by becoming a member of the Cole Camp Educational Foundation, a non-profit fundraising organization for school projects; and is involved in his church, St. Paul’s Lutheran, where he is currently serves as chairman and past property trustee.

Tom’s support stems from his loving family: wife Kathy, son Allen and daughters Emily and Erin, and six grandchildren.