2020 State Recognition: Tom Baas

Tom Baas grew up on a pig farm in Kossuth County and has been a part of the agriculture industry his entire life.He earned three degrees from Iowa State University. First,his bachelor’s degree in animal science and later his master’s and Ph.D. both in animal breeding.Tom even met his wife, Cindy,at Iowa State. 

He started out his professional career in the pork industry where he spent 22 years in various aspects including work with the United Duroc Swine Registry, swine seed stock production and owner/operator of Baas Farm Center. When Tom became an animal science professor at Iowa State University, this first-hand experience allowed him to make connections for students and translate real world experience in the pork industry.

Tom spent more than 20 years serving a joint ISU appointment in research, teaching, and extension before retiring in 2016.Tom is well-known on campus for his investment in students. He served as an advisor and mentor to numerous students both in and out of the classroom preparing the future generation to lead the pork industry.Through his joint appointment at Iowa State, Tom also served as a swine research extension specialist.

Through this role, he connected with Iowa 4-H to support youth programming across the state. He served on the State 4-H Swine committee,coordinated the swine species track of Animal Science Round Up, and served for several years as the Derby Swine Show superintendent at the Iowa State Fair.

Tom and Cindy have three grown children. They live in Ames where they continue to be active members of the Cyclone community and their church.