The vast majority of our readers needs no introduction to Tom Dalbey’s storied life. They have walked beside, worked along, competed against and are familiar with the insights into the well-known and loved Tom Dalbey.
Tom is a stockman. His father was a stockman. Tom spares no pains for the welfare of his stock. An unbiased look at Tom’s life quickly reveals a man of enormous compassion and incredible integrity.
Born in Danville, Illinois, and raised on the farm near Fithian, Tom helped his hardworking family raise corn, soybeans, hogs and Angus cattle. No doubt, his wit and humor took the edge off of stressful moments and the grind of daily chores. As an active participant in 4-H and FFA, he bore himself with great humility and dignity. He enjoyed no special advantages as a child, he just worked hard. As a result, he graduated from Oakwood High School in 1984 as a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of many awards and honors from his pursuit of producing and showing Angus cattle.
As a young boy, God placed in Tom a heart for stock, and Angus cattle in particular. Tom began reading the Angus Journal before most children have learned to ride a bicycle. The race was on and Tom’s interest in Angus cattle never wavered. His keen eye to identify the “good ones” came early. His instincts give him the ability to know what a cow is going to do before she does. So it is no surprise that Tom is one of the great stockmen and herdsmen in the United States.
It did not take the industry long to notice Tom’s talents and dedication. In 1991, just seven years after graduating from high school, while working for R&J Ranch in Briggs, Texas, Tom was selected at the All American Futurity in Louisville, Kentucky, as the All American Herdsmen of the Year.
In 1993, the American Angus Association honored Tom with the prestigious Herdsman of the Year award. Many men and women with decades of experience and political power still hope to receive this great honor. It was then, and it continues today, to be a well-deserved tribute to the knowledge, dedication and noble conduct that makes Tom Dalbey an exceptional herdsman.
In 1997, Tom became the manager of Circle G Ranches, in Georgia, and led them to many great achievements. For the past three years, 44 Farms is blessed to have Tom Dalbey’s endless efforts put forth over its cattle. He is wise and compassionate in every decision affecting the cattle and tough on those who do not do things the “right way”.
44 Farms thanks Tom, his wife, Kristy, and their sons, Kash and Kolt, for making 44 Farms and Cameron, Texas, a better place. Because of you the best is yet to be!
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