Thomas D. Campbell

TimeMagazine9Jan1928

American agricultural pioneer

Thomas D. Campbell

Name	Thomas D. Campbell
Birth name
Birth date	1882
Birth place	Grand Forks, North Dakota
Death date	1966
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Agriculturalist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Large-scale farming innovations
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Thomas D. Campbell (1882–1966) was an American agricultural pioneer known for his innovations in large-scale farming. He was often referred to as the "World's Wheat King" due to his extensive wheat farming operations.

Early Life

Thomas D. Campbell was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1882. He grew up in a farming family, which influenced his future career in agriculture. Campbell attended the University of North Dakota and later transferred to Harvard University, where he studied business and agriculture.

Career

After completing his education, Campbell returned to North Dakota and began experimenting with large-scale farming techniques. He believed that mechanization and scientific methods could significantly increase agricultural productivity. In the early 20th century, he established the Campbell Farming Corporation, which became one of the largest wheat farming operations in the world.

Innovations

Campbell was a pioneer in the use of mechanized farming equipment. He introduced the use of tractors, combines, and other machinery to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. His farming methods included crop rotation, soil conservation, and the use of fertilizers, which were innovative practices at the time.

World War I and II

During World War I, Campbell's farming techniques were crucial in meeting the increased demand for wheat. His methods were adopted by other farmers, leading to a significant boost in wheat production. During World War II, Campbell served as an agricultural advisor to the United States Department of Agriculture, helping to develop strategies for food production to support the war effort.

Legacy

Thomas D. Campbell's contributions to agriculture had a lasting impact on farming practices in the United States and around the world. His emphasis on mechanization and scientific farming methods paved the way for modern agricultural practices. Campbell's work demonstrated the potential of large-scale farming to meet global food demands.

Personal Life

Campbell was married and had several children. He remained active in farming and agricultural advocacy until his death in 1966.

See Also

• Agriculture in the United States
• Mechanized agriculture
• Wheat production in the United States