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Show Page 4 March 1971 UTAH FARM BUREAU Since 1955 when Ed Thomas joined the staff of Utah Farm Bureau many productive activities have been de- veloped. Some have fulfilled their usefulness and othershave been added. Ed has been a major force in developing ideas and investigating proposed programsthatwill render a service to farm families. The late Frank Shelley sought the help of Mr. Thomas' abilities and the experience he has had with livestock and marketing and obtained his services for Farm Bureau. Mr. Thomas soon demonstrated his skill at working with farm people and developing a relationship of confidence and rapport that enable him to work out marketing arrangements for potatoes, livestock, canning crop problems and many other programs. He has spent considerable time working on farm supply programs in connection with Intermountain Farmers and other distributing and sales agencies. While not every member took advantage of programs developed, members doing so will remember the untiring efforts put forth by Mr. Thomas in service to his fellowman. Recently a suggestion of his was put into practice in the tire program that has more than doubled the tires distributed to members thus realizing many dollars savings to members. At the time, this latter suggestion was not too highly considered, but like many other proposals Ed's interest and energy persisted and the members benefited. So much could be said of Ed as he worked with livestocks men in Southern Utah in developing marketing programs that could expedite livestock sales favorable to ranchers. Marketing being what it is presents many unusual and almost problems. Ed nevertheless put forth hisworkand out of his efforts, probably more responsible than any other one person, came the Salina Marketing Service which is an auction facility constructed at Salina and leased to Producers Livestock Marketing Association. This facility has doubled the sales of livestock in the area and has proved to be very beneficial to stockmen. The facility of one of the most modern auctions of its kind in the Mountainwest. A monument to the man that we pay tribute to for his untiring efforts in Farm Bureau. Ed's humor and good nature are characteristics noticeable to all that meet him. A vacancy at this time of his retirement can not be filled readily, if at all. Ed's wisdom, personality, judgement and experience are sure to be missed at Utah Farm Bureau. i un-solva- Thomas Retires February 28 Ed A. Thomas officially retired from service to Utah Farm Bureau Federation after 1512 years of employment. On Mr. Thomas abilities were recognized by the late Frank Shelley, then Executive Secretary of Utah Farm Bureau. He sought a luncheon to honor Ed Thomas for service to Farm Bureau President Hamilton presents a Stetson hat while Mrs. Thomas (Arvilla) and Allen Olsen look on. (Top) Ed promoted American beef, M. E. Carroll and Joseph Jenkins enjoy working with Ed. Secretaries Margo Stoddard and Karen Atkinson have always found Mr. Thomas to be a gentleman (bottom). At Mr. Thomass vices ser- andonNovem-be- r 1st, 1955 his with employment Farm Bureau began. During these years many programs were developed with Thomas A. Ed, as he was affectionately Elmo W. Hamilton, President m ble called, giving direction to them. Ed traveled the state, day and night giving assistance in any way that he could. Through various of the programs he was working with, members saved in total, thousands of dollars. Mr. Thomas experience as a farmer and feeder has proved valuable in the areas of marketing and bargaining. He has estabconfidence with producers and given much needed assistance developing marketing programs. Out of the Southern Utah Marketing Association camfe the construction of an auction facility in Salina. This auction has grown in sales to more than double previous sales. It is one of the Wests most modern auction center. lished some other auctions and sales have gone out of business sales are on the increase at this sale. Eds contribution was more than a staff man for Farm Bur- - While eau. He took a personal interest in making something that would be a lasting and recognized place where cattle and livestock could be bouht and sold and reflect the true market value in so far as it is possible. Ed has considered that at 65 he can return to a farm enterprise operated by his sons and give assistance and find expression for his farm ambition. Ed has broken a Farm Bureau tradition, until now no one has ever lived through employment with Utah Farm Bureau. For the rest of us we sure think this is the best way. Many happy years of retirement Mr. Thomas |