By Andi Anderson
Ohio dairyman Nathan Thomas has been honored with the 32nd Klussendorf-MacKenzie Award for his dedication to the dairy industry. Thomas was presented the award during World Dairy Expo® 2023, in memory of Duncan MacKenzie, the 1961 Klussendorf winner.
Thomas did not grow up on a dairy farm, but he was surrounded by dairy farming relatives from a young age. He developed a passion for dairy cattle and began showing cows at the county fair. After high school, Thomas went on the road fitting cattle and worked with many top show strings across the U.S. and internationally.
For the past 16 years, Thomas and his family have dairy farmed at Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys near North Lewisburg, Ohio. During that time, Triple-T has bred, developed, sold, and cared for over 130 All-American and All-Canadian nominations and has also had the honor of having the nation’s highest BAA or Breed Age Average ranking for conformation. Thomas also bred and owned the Holstein Association USA’s 2018 Star of the Breed.
Thomas is known for his dedication to his cattle and his willingness to help others. He is a mentor to many young people who are interested in the dairy business. Thomas is also a member of the Klussendorf Memorial Association, considered by many as the Hall of Fame for dairy cattle exhibitors.
The Klussendorf-MacKenzie Award is presented annually to a dairy cattle exhibitor who exemplifies the standards that made Duncan MacKenzie the forbearer of this award. Thomas is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Dairy Cattle