Eric Smith has been named the next director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He will begin in the role in August.
Smith brings three decades of experience in agricultural equipment engineering to the laboratory, including leadership roles at John Deere and New Holland. Most recently, he served as manager of regulations and standards for agricultural tractors at John Deere, where he coordinated technical positions on global product standards and played a key role in shaping regulations related to safety, automation and sustainability.
A licensed professional engineer, Smith holds bachelor’s degrees in agricultural and biological engineering, and mechanical engineering from Cornell University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa.
He has been a longtime contributor to international standards development through the 38-member Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and served for nine years as international chair of the ISO Agricultural Tractors Committee. This committee supports interoperability of machinery from different manufacturers, ensuring that tractors, planters, balers and other implements work together seamlessly. His leadership in the organizations has connected him with global stakeholders in industry, academia and government.
“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 is committed to preserving the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory’s legacy of excellence while fostering innovation and expanding the lab’s reach through new partnerships. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the university and engaging with faculty and students.
“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 succeeds Roger Hoy, who has led the lab since 2006 and will retire later this year.
For more information about the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, click here.
