Bruce F. Richards
B.S., Utah State University (Dairy Science)
M.S., Utah State University (Dairy Science)
Ph.D., University of Illinois (Animal Science)
Dr. Richards joined the faculty of DelVal’s Dairy Department in January 2011.
He teaches Principles of Animal Nutrition, Principles of Dairy Science and a dairy science seminar.
DelVal appealed to him because he wanted to be part of the faculty at a small school where he could really get to know his students and teach them a subject he is passionate about.
Richards, a native of Utah, brings 10 years of experience working as a farm supervisor at a dairy operation to his position. As a student he interned with the Miner Institute and did laboratory research. He also served as a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois.
Dr. Richards has done research on strategies for reducing incidences of fatty liver in cows. He found out that by controlling a cow’s energy intake 60 days before it delivered its calf, he could help prevent health problems in the mother.
After cows deliver, he said, they can start producing up to 100 pounds of milk per day. Getting them to eat enough to meet the energy requirement to produce that much milk is a challenge. By adding a pound of fat per day to the animals’ diets, he was able to give the animals the energy they needed to produce the most milk.
“I grew up on a dairy farm so that got me interested in teaching about dairy science,” said Dr. Richards. “The thing I like most about teaching is when my students get involved in discussions and when I start seeing light bulbs go off in their heads or eyes. Being involved with students and working with students (is my favorite part of being an educator).”
When he joined DelVal, Dr. Richards was eager to get involved outside of the classroom. In his first year, he became the advisor for the Agricultural Lifestyles floor of Goldman, a residence hall.
He also became the co-advisor for Dairy Challenge, a competition that works to “facilitate education, communication and an exchange of ideas among students, agribusiness, dairy producers and universities that enhances the development of the dairy industry and its leaders.”
For Dairy Challenge, he will take a team of students from the college to competitions where they will evaluate a dairy farm and look for ways to improve the operation. Students provide suggestions on everything from how to house the animals to ideas for improving the business side of a dairy operation.
So far, Dr. Richards is settling in well at DelVal. He said the people here have made him feel at home.
“I have great coworkers that have been very helpful, welcoming and friendly to me,” said Dr. Richards. “The students here seem anxious to learn.”
Dr. Richards is working with Russell Redding, dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, on a plan for the future of DelVal’s dairy program. He traveled to other programs to get ideas and surveyed alumni and current students about the program. Using feedback from students and alumni, he will help Redding look for ways to reach more students and strengthen the program.