He serves as a state Extension Beef Cattle Specialist where his primary responsibilities are in stocker and feedlot cattle nutrition and management. Born and raised in Nebraska, he pursued his passion for beef cattle management in Animal Science by obtaining his A.S. from Northeastern Junior College, his B.S. from Texas A&M University, M.S. from the University of Nebraska, and his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Before joining Oklahoma State University in 2005, Dr. Richards gained valuable teaching and research experience by serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee.