William Richards

William J. Richards

1931 - 2024

William J. “Bill” Richards will always be remembered as an innovator and pioneer in conservation farming. Born October 19, 1931, Bill spent a lifetime cultivating a love of agriculture in the hearts of those who met him. A lifelong Ohio farmer, Bill was well known for his pioneering work in crop residue management as the “Grandfather of No-Till.”  He believed that every producer has the duty to use the best available technology to protect soil, water, and other natural resources, and that society has the obligation to base its environmental decisions on good science.

After earning a degree in agricultural economics from the Ohio State University, Bill set to work to grow a successful, diversified family farming operation, together with his wife and three sons. He was selected as U.S. Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer of America in 1967. He also was one of the founders of Premium Agricultural Commodities, a purchasing and marketing co-op that became a model in the industry for sharing ideas and providing technology for farmers and business leaders.

Bill became a progressive, dynamic manager in agribusiness and government over the course of his illustrious career. As an active member in agriculture, Bill was a past president or participant in many farm organizations, including: National Outstanding Farmers of America, Farm Foundation Bennett Roundtable, Top Farmers of Ohio, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Corn Growers Association, American and Ohio Soybean Association, American Farm Bureau, the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Alpha Gamma Rho, and Premium Agricultural Commodities. Locally, he was a lifelong member of Circleville Rotary and the Circleville Presbyterian Church.

While his sons tended the farm, Bill served as the Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service from 1990 - 1993, during which he guided the agency under the environmental requirements of the 1985 and 1990 farm legislation, in areas of soil erosion control, wetlands protection, and water management. He led cooperative efforts to bring the agricultural industry, government, and the farm media together for a common purpose.

After his time at the USDA, Bill enjoyed teaching others about conservation agriculture as a visiting lecturer and spokesperson. Bill spoke to a wide range of audiences: farm, university, commodity, agrifinance, chemical and machinery industries, environmental organizations, and federal and state agencies. He was a contributing writer to Farm Journal, Top Producer, and monthly articles in Agrifinance, and he mentored foreign students in an Ohio State University exchange program. He participated in numerous short courses and seminars at Ohio State and Purdue, and attended Harvard University’s agri-business executive education seminars. His contribution to agriculture lives on in the seeds of knowledge and curiosity that he sowed for farmers across the country.

With all the honors and accomplishments of his storied life, we all can agree that the best thing Bill ever did was marry Grace Stevenson Richards, his wife of 63 years. In her, he found a true partner and best friend, and together, they were always listening and learning. They traveled extensively to visit farms and agriculture leaders in all fifty states, England, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. In turn, they were also gracious hosts on their family farm, welcoming massive parties, late-night drinks with friends, and everything in between. Bill was keenly observant and sharp, even into his final days. He reaped the harvest of pursuing what he loved for 93 years.

Bill passed away peacefully in his home on November 12, 2024. Bill is survived by his sons: Bruce S. Richards (Betsy), and Elmon S. Richards (Connie); daughter-in-law Loribeth Kowalski; his grandchildren: Ashley Richards (Geoffrey Robicheaux), Brock Richards (Siobhan), Mason Richards (Katherine), Maria Roberts (Frank), and Julie Foy (Patrick); step-grandchildren Jason (Kristi) Carithers and Lisa Salyers; several great-grandchildren; and special friend Grace Moore.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Grace Stevenson Richards; his son, William Stevenson Richards; father Elmon Eben Richards; and mother, Mabel Haynes Richards and sister Marilyn Redman.

Visitation for Bill will be held at Richards Farms on November 19 from 1:00PM - 6:00PM. Funeral services will be held at Circleville Presbyterian Church the following morning on Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00AM, with a private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Farm Foundation: PO Box 736185, Dallas, Texas  75373.

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.