Tom Scott was born at Killarney, and farmed at Ninga, Manitoba. Tom’s initiation to the beef cattle industry began in 1930 when his father purchased a herd of Registered Polled Herefords. By the 1950’s Scott Herefords were recognized as one of the top herds in Western Canada and cattle from the herd were in strong demand. He was a regular exhibitor at the Brandon Bull Sale and the Toronto Royal Winter Fair where his cattle won many prizes.

Tom married Joyce Flatt in 1954 and they raised a family of four – a daughter Michelle, and three sons, Alan, Craig and Clair. Two sons remain active in the cattle industry under the name Scott Brothers Livestock.

In 1938, as a member of Manitoba’s livestock judging team, Tom earned the highest score in swine judging at the national 4-H competitions in Toronto.

4-H has always been a part of Tom’s life and he was much in demand as a judge for 4-H Beef Club Achievements. He had excellent rapport with the members and under his tutelage many 4-H members became excellent judges. His children and grandchildren have followed his lead showing and winning in many competitions. The family was honoured with a certificate recognizing four generations of 4-H involvement.

Tom’s career in judging major livestock shows took him across Canada. His judging consistency won the respect of exhibitors. Many cattlemen indicated that he was the best livestock judge they had ever watched. His skill, consistency and fairness were a model for all judges to follow. Despite being a breeder of quality Herefords, Tom was equally competent judging other breeds of cattle. His preference for larger, rangier animals was a significant factor in changing the character of the Canadian beef industry.

In 1965, the Canadian government chose Tom to judge at the National Exhibition in Santiago, Chile and to conduct a seminar to promote Canadian cattle in South America.

Despite the outside demands for his time and talents, Tom has always been a true community person. He served as a trustee of the Boissevain and Ninga United Churches, as well as the Ninga School District. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Hereford Association and the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies. He was also presented with a certificate that commended him for “outstanding contribution to Manitoba Agriculture.”

Nominated by the Turtle Mountain Agricultural Society.