Dr Terry Mitchel was honored as the Greater Area Clinton Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Person of the Year at the 52nd Annual Agricultural Appreciation Dinner at the Benson Center. Below is the script from the presentation. Credit goes to Terry’s daughters Dara and Lana for the background information.
Terry Mitchel – A Life Rooted in Family, Farming, and Service to his Community
“Tonight, we present the 52nd Ag Person of the year. You can see from the list that there have been farmers, bankers, veterinarians, businessmen and even a couple of ag teachers. It’s always a challenge to try to surprise the recipient. As we go along here, you will put the pieces together and at some point in time, we’ll just have to announce and bring him or her up.
-The honoree this evening was born in Henry County.
-He grew up on a multi- generational farm.
-After graduating Montrose High School, he attended the University of Missouri.
-Not only did he get an undergraduate degree in agriculture, he continued and graduated from MU’s Vet School.
So… it’s probably apparent now that our honoree is Dr. Terry Mitchel. Terry please come to the stage.
I want to give credit for the following information to Terry’s daughters Dara and Lana. We’re glad that Lana was able to be with us this evening.
Born in the small farming community of Montrose, Missouri, Terry Mitchel has spent his life deeply connected to the land that raised him. A multi-generational farmer, Terry grew up immersed in agriculture—so much so that you could say he has been farming longer than he’s been walking.
From Kindergarten through high school, Terry attended Montrose schools, where lifelong friendships and a strong work ethic took root. After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Upon finishing school, Terry and his wife Debbie—his partner in life and farming for 40 years—returned to Henry County. Terry opened a veterinary practice serving both large and small animals, a calling he has faithfully continued for nearly 50 years. His commitment to caring for the community’s animals has made him a trusted and respected figure across the county.
Terry’s passion for farming was passed down to him from his father, John, a dedicated dairy and crop farmer. John had the foresight to grow the family operation through strategic land purchases from PB Coal Company after reclamation, laying the groundwork for future generations.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Terry expanded the farm through careful, sequential land acquisitions, shaping it into what it is today.
The Mitchel family farm has been honored as a Century Farm by MU Extension—recognition of more than 100 years of dedication to agriculture. Today, Terry’s operation focuses primarily on registered Black Angus beef cattle and crops, with farmland stretching across Montrose and Chilhowee, Missouri.
Beyond farming and veterinary work, Terry’s proudest achievement is the family he and Debbie built together—two daughters and five grandchildren who carry forward the values of hard work, kindness, and stewardship. After the passing of his beloved wife, Debbie, Terry now enjoys time with Donna who shares his passion and history in farming.
For Terry Mitchel, farming isn’t just an occupation—it’s a way of life. It’s the land, the animals, and the people that have shaped his story, and it’s the deep roots in his community that make him not just a farmer and veterinarian, but a true cornerstone of Henry County.
The 2025 Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Person of the Year is Dr. Terry Mitchel.”
