Martin, Tenn. – The “Tosh Family Classroom” at the University of Tennessee at Martin was officially named in honor of James “Jimmy” Tosh and his family during a naming event May 5 in room 258 Brehm Hall.
The classroom was named for Tosh’s generous commitments to the University of Tennessee and UT Martin. Tosh studied animal science, graduated from UT Martin in 1972 and returned home to officially operate the family business. Under his leadership, Tosh Farms in Henry has continued to grow and thrive, and presently includes 18,000 acres of farmed land, 10 sow farms that produce over 930,000 market hogs each year, more than 450 employees, and over 85 contract growing partners.
According to the company website, Tosh Farms is currently the largest pork producer in Tennessee and the 30th largest pork producer in the U.S. His gifts have supported both UT and UT Martin.
“Going to college really teaches you to think and how to deal with people. That was a great experience here,” Tosh said following the event. He added that the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences means a lot to him personally and also to the region. “It’s been (the college) a great influence on West Tennessee when considering agriculture,” he said. “I’ve got good friends that went to school here and have gone back into agriculture in this area, so it’s been a great training program for that. Plus it’s been a real resource for us, and it’s always helped our farm.”
In photo, from left are: Charley Deal, vice chancellor for university advancement; Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor; Jimmy Tosh; and Dr. Todd Winters, Dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. (UTM photo).