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Beefmaster Breeder Named Louisiana Cattleman of the Year

by Joe Mask | Published March 20, 2013

Leadership and success are not new to Tommy Smith, a cow/calf operator and Beefmaster breeder from Lake Arthur, LA. Smith also will not be the first one to brag to you about his successful adventures in the Beefmaster business; however it is easy to say that after visiting with Mr. Smith he has been a vital part of the breed for over 36 years. His success in the Beefmaster business and representing all cattlemen at industry events led him to an outstanding accomplishment for 2013; Tommy Smith was awarded Louisiana Cattleman of the Year by the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.

Smith currently serves as the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Vice President for district five, where he represents five Louisiana parishes at state cattle industry events. However, Smith is better known for his many years of serving the public school system and being a positive influence of kids involved in local agriculture. Smith has worn many hats with that of a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, grandson of a dairyman and a Beefmaster cattle breeder.

With growing up around a dairy farm Smith always had an interest in cattle and bought into the cattle business at age 12. Smith spent a few years out of the cattle business to focus on sports but quickly came back to the business. He attended a cattle sale one Saturday 36 years ago and bought into the cattle business again, never looking back. Even though he was not always a Beefmaster breeder he got to the bred as fast as he could by the way of a good friend.

“A friend of mine new I was looking for a good bull and came across this Beefmaster bull that was deep and thick, just what I needed. We had a lot of good calves out of him and got us started in the Beefmaster breed,” said Tommy Smith.

Once Tommy got introduced to the Beefmaster breed he became more interested in the genetics of the bred, so he bought two cows to use for flushing and to improve the genetics of his herd. He started watching the EPDs of his cattle and got a hold of a Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) book to learn more about genetics. He then began seeing the advantage to registering his cattle and becoming a BBU member. About 20 years ago Smith became a BBU member basically so he could register cattle for kids to show through 4-H and FFA; however he began to realize that there are more advantages to being a BBU member.

“Through getting involved in BBU and learning more about genetics through BBU programs I saw the advantage of being a member of this organization, even though I initially did it to help out the kids.”

Tommy expressed that as Beefmaster breeders it is important that records are kept current on all cattle. Breeders must make sure to transfer bulls when selling to a commercial cattleman so that BBU records are current and help improve the genetic records kept on file. Building his Beefmaster genetics and getting involved in BBU has been nothing but an asset to Smith, the cattle industry and his family. Smith raised more than cattle and taught more than school kids during his career. He and his wife Karla raised two boys that helped run the family farm when there were not busy with rodeo and football.

“I am blessed with a wonderful family and have met some of the most wonderful people in the Beefmaster breed. It is just great that we have breeders that invite you to their place and are very helpful.”

Tommy also expressed that he is blessed to be an advocate for an industry he believes in, while also representing Southwest Louisiana and voting on issues that affect the entire cattle industry. Smith believes that he has a responsibility to vote for what is best for every cattleman and women, not what is best for certain breeders and operators.

“I am honored to win this award, but the best award I have won is my wonderful family and representing Louisiana cattlemen and women.”

For more information on the Beefmaster Breeders Association call the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org. Stay connected to BBU through Facebook, view our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and receive our news updates through joining our mailing list.
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