Long-time Livestock Industry Regulatory Advocate Receives 2023 Colorado Livestock Association Top Choice Award

Colorado agriculture advocate receives Colorado Livestock Association’s highest honor

Recipients of the Colorado Livestock Association’s Top Choice Award are individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving livestock agriculture in Colorado. Past honorees have come from all walks of life, but the common thread is that they embody a deep-rooted belief in the importance of agriculture.

The CLA Top Choice Award was presented to Thomas Haren for his significant contributions to the livestock industry at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Colorado Livestock Association in Breckenridge on July 20, 2023.

“I want to express my sincere and wholehearted thank you for awarding me the prestigious Top Choice Award. Recognizing my heroes and mentors that are previous recipients, I was overwhelmed to be included,” stated Tom Haren. “There are many mentors, friends, clients, employees, and family that warrant a specific thank you. Just know that I hold fast and treasure each of those relationships, support, and experiences. Finding your passion in your work-life is rewarding. Doing work you love for a quarter-century is incomparable. Being recognized for it is a bonus for which I express my most humble gratitude.”

Tom Haren has been a long-time advocate, engaged member of the Colorado Livestock Association, and friend of the industry. Tom has dedicated over 25 years of his life to serving the agriculture community and the Colorado Livestock Association with unwavering commitment, passion, and expertise. Throughout his career, he has exemplified a profound understanding of the intricate balance between environmental sustainability, good business practices, and animal stewardship.

“With the presentation of the CLA Top Choice Award, we celebrate Tom and acknowledge his invaluable contributions to the agriculture community, his profound respect for our state’s natural resources, and his steadfast commitment to the preservation of the livestock industry,” stated CLA President, Kenny Rogers during the 2023 Past President’s Luncheon at the CLA Annual Meeting.

His vision and dedication to the betterment of the industry and the environment are truly commendable. His innovative approaches and tireless efforts have helped to revolutionize the regulatory landscape, by helping to create a cooperative relationship between agriculture producers and government agencies. By embracing sustainable production methods, he has championed conservation, safeguarded industry, and increased the longevity of livestock producers’ way of life for years to come.

About Tom Haren

Thomas M. Haren is the CEO of AGPROfessionals. Founded in 2000, AGPROfessionals is an organization specializing in large-scale agriculture development throughout the Western United States.

AGPROfessionals was selected as a “Colorado Company to Watch” in 2013 by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. AGPROfessionals was also chosen as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau “Torch Award of Ethics” in 2014 and a recipient of the 21st Annual Torch Award of Ethics in 2019.

Mr. Haren was the Vice President of Envirostock Inc. from 1996-2000, a company he purchased in 2002. He was Vice President of Environmental Services at the Colorado Livestock Association from 1997 to 2000, and Director of Natural Resources at Colorado Cattle Feeders Association from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Haren began his professional career at Stewart Environmental Consultants in Fort Collins in 1992.

In 1992, Mr. Haren received his Associate of Science in Environmental Science and Hazardous Materials from Front Range Community College and studied Construction Management and Civil Engineering at Colorado State University and Biology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Mr. Haren served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1992 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. During his service, he was a Drill Instructor at Fort Benning, GA and Fort Jackson, SC.

Mr. Haren is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a WSO Certified Safety Specialist and Registered Ag Consultant. He was President of the Coal Creek Irrigation Company from 1997 to 2002, Board Member of the Colorado Horse Council from 1998 to 2007 and served on the Weld County Agricultural Advisory Committee in 1997 and again in 2007. Mr. Haren has also served as a member/participant of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade “Blueprint for Colorado.”

He recently served as Chairman of Upstate Colorado Economic Development Executive Board and is a member of the National Western Stock Show and the Weld County Farm Bureau