By Scout Nelson
Eric Smith has been appointed as the next director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He will assume his new role in August 2025, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in agricultural equipment engineering.
Smith has held key leadership roles at major equipment companies, including John Deere and New Holland. Most recently, he served as manager of regulations and standards for agricultural tractors at John Deere. In that role, he led global efforts in product safety, automation, and sustainability standards.
A licensed professional engineer, Smith holds dual bachelor's degrees in agricultural and biological engineering and mechanical engineering from Cornell University. He also earned an MBA from the University of Iowa.
Smith has made significant contributions to international agricultural standards development. He has worked with the 38-member Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and served nine years as the international chair of the ISO Agricultural Tractors Committee.
His leadership in these global organizations has helped ensure machinery compatibility across manufacturers, supporting seamless use of various farm equipment.
“We are excited to welcome Eric Smith to lead the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory,” said Mark Stone, head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “His extensive industry experience, deep understanding of global standards, and passion for mentorship and collaboration make him uniquely suited to guide the lab into its next era.”
Smith expressed enthusiasm about leading the lab, which plays a vital role in testing agricultural machinery performance and safety.
“It is an honor to lead such a historic and impactful institution,” he said. “I look forward to building on the laboratory’s strong foundation and exploring new opportunities for innovation in agricultural machinery testing.”
Smith will succeed Roger Hoy, who has led the laboratory since 2006 and is set to retire later this year.
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Categories: Nebraska, General