Tom Seboldt
In Town: Tom is the Vice President of Merchandise for O’Reilly Auto Parts in Springfield, Mo.
On the farm: Tom and his wife Diana own and operate Seboldt Farms where they raise Polled Hereford cattle on their farms in Ozark, Mo., and Seymour, Mo.
Family: Wife, Diana, son, Cody, 20 and daughter, Chelsey, 17
How he started: Tom began working for O’Reilly’s in 1987 as a delivery driver. And although Tom grew up around cows, it wasn’t until 7 or 8 years ago that he and Diana decided to enter the cattle trade. They started with mixed breed cows and about a year later they added Polled Herefords to their stock. Three years ago, the Seboldts went exclusively with Polled Herefords. They now have a herd of 35 cattle that they rotational graze on their farms.
Successes and challenges: When asked what has made him successful, Tom said “Definitely God being in control.” He also attributes his success to the work ethic he learned from his dad. Tom went on to say that Seboldt Farms has been successful because of a team effort (Diana feeds, waters and tends to the cows while Tom is at work) and the fact that it’s work he and Diana both enjoy. Moving the cows back and forth from Ozark to Seymour takes time, but it’s time well spent; rotational grazing makes for healthier animals.
Best part of town and country life: “It’s different every day and I work with great people. I get to do something I really enjoy and I have the freedom of being out in the country.”
Story and Photo by Klaire Bruce
