Colorado State University Alumnus
’58 Farm and Ranch Management

During the Animal Sciences Social at the National Western Stock Show in January, Mr. Thomas H. Bradbury was honored by the Department as the 2007 Livestock Leader of the Year.  His portrait joins the others in the front entrance of the Animal Sciences Building on the CSU campus.

In the same year that he receieved his Colorado State University degree from Eleanor Roosevelt, Thomas Bradbury and his wife Margaret – Colorado A&M homecoming queen in 1956 – began the Bradbury Land and Cattle Company ranch in Byers, Colorado.  Over the many successful years of its business, his ranch has maintained high-quality bloodlines for both Hereford and Angus cattle in addition to raising top-running, award-winning Quarter horses.  Relying on his extensive experience on the ranch, Mr. Bradbury submerged himself in the National Western Stock Show and has served there as a director for many years.  

Mr. Bradbury’s service to both the community and his alma mater are commendable.  He is a member of serveral organizaitons.  Mr. Bradbury is a past Director and President of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association and continues to be an active member.  He is an avid supporter of 4-H events, and for the past twelve years he and his wife have provided financial scholarships to graduates of Byers High School.  Margaret and Tom both maintain an active role at Colorado State University.  In addition to his service on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Mr. Bradbury and his wife are members of the 1870 Club, the Beef Club, the Ram’s Club, and have made numerous contributions towards the betterment of the Athletics department.  

The successes of Mr. Bradbury’s career are second only to his accomplishments as a family man.  The Bradburys raised four children and now enjoy following the interests and activities of their thirteen grandchildren.

Beginning in 1960, the Department of Animal Sciences initiated an annual award to honor an outstanding individual in the livestock industry.  The designation was called the Stockman of the Year, and a portrait of the individual was hung in the Animal Sciences Building.  This award was last presented in 1976.  In 1986 a similar award was initiated and termed the Livestock Leader Award.  This award is presented at a social held in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show.  

Click here to download Tom Bradbury's acceptance speech