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Late Texas rancher, Tobin Armstrong, named Distinguished Texan in Agriculture

published: January 20th 2006

COLLEGE STATION – The late Tobin Armstrong, a South Texas rancher whose leadership in organizations and politics for decades helped shape cattle production across the nation, has been named Texas A&M Distinguished Texan in Agriculture for 2005.

The award, given by Texas A&M University System-Agriculture, was created in 1992 to honor those who have made “outstanding and significant contributions” to the industry, according to Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences.

Armstrong, who died in October, was the husband of Anne Armstrong, Texas A&M regent emerita and former U.S. ambassador to Great Britain. The award was presented to Mrs. Armstrong Tuesday on behalf of her late husband.

“Tobin Armstrong demonstrated incomparable foresight in the cattle business and was looked up to as a champion for agriculture throughout the nation,” Murano said. “His leadership consistently made a mark on the industry for more than 50 years and will continue to positively impact people for generations.”

Armstrong’s career encompassed operating a 50,000-acre family ranch, activities in various associations and leadership in government positions.

He was owner of Armstrong Ranch in Kenedy County which has been operating in the family for more than 150 years. His lifelong interest in cattle raising led to his involvement in many industry organizations, including an effort that formed the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He held leadership positions with Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, for which he was a board member for 48 years. A major effort of his was the expansion of U.S. cattle markets worldwide – work which took him to South and Central America, Africa and Europe.

After serving as a figher pilot, the World War II veteran continued his service to his country, in a variety of public roles, according to his family.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture enlisted his leadership for a variety of efforts including the National Cattle Industry Advisory Committee, as a special advisor on Europe to the agriculture secretary and more recently on the 2002 advisory committee on foreign animal and poultry diseases.

For the Internal Revenue Service, Armstrong served on the Special Advisory Committee on Livestock Taxation.

He was the recipient of numerous awards including the Soldiers Medal for Valor, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Texas Legends Award and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Swan Family Leadership Award. Armstrong also was an International Stockmen’s Livestock Congress Hall of Fame inductee in 1994.