Tom Younts has dedicated many years to the betterment of his students and Indiana’s livestock industry. An organizer during the early years of the Hoosier Beef Congress, Younts played a staple role in establishing the show and getting it to the prominent event it is today.
Younts
Younts was inducted into Indiana Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Fame this fall.
The Hall of Fame was started in the 1930s by the ILBA and was made up of all statewide breed associations for Beef, Dairy, Horse, Pleasure Horse, Sheep, Swine and Goat breeds.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize those individuals involved in animal science, who have made significant contributions or attained outstanding achievements in the livestock industry.
If you say that you or a family member went to Hamilton Southeastern High School, chances are the next question will be “Do you know Tom Younts?” After 44 years of teaching, Younts has a primary role at state and national FFA livestock events and competitions. Rather than focusing on winning first, Younts focuses on building the character and perseverance in young people. He has helped a multitude of students reach success.
Younts has had more than 150 Hoosier Degree recipients, over 40 American Degree recipients, six past state officers, and a National FFA Champion Soils Judging Team. Younts has coached more than 500 students, with over 100 of those students attending national contests and some traveling overseas to compete. It is safe to say that he has had a positive impact on the lives of many, while advocating for Indiana’s livestock industry and continued progress.
Besides his excellence in teaching, Younts continues to be actively involved in the Indiana Angus Association and the American Angus Association, as well as the National Junior Angus Association. He is a firm believer that livestock teaches life lessons and responsibility, and that it is a viable enterprise to pursue in row crop-centric Indiana.