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Celebrating Richard H.L. Chichester’s Leadership Legacy
Select Sires is investing in the next generation of dairy professionals through a new scholarship established in partnership with Dairy Shrine, the Richard H.L. Chichester Scholarship. This initiative honors the remarkable legacy of Richard H.L. Chichester who led Select Sires as general manager for 27 years and played a foundational role in the farmer-owned cooperative’s growth.
Jeff Ziegler, Senior Executive Director of Global Genetic Integration, shares insights into Chichester’s leadership impact and how the new scholarship carries his commitment to people, integrity, and industry progress into the future.
Chichester helped build Select Sires into a global genetics leader by focusing on what matters most: people. Known for his Southern warmth, exceptional listening skills, and mentorship, he shaped a culture where employees felt valued, supported, and empowered. His foundational leadership principles—respect, collaboration, and integrity—still guide the cooperative today and are honored through the Select Sires headquarters building bearing his name.
About the Richard H.L. Chichester Scholarship
The new Dairy Shrine scholarship aims to support third- and fourth-year undergraduate students pursuing dairy‑related careers. Funding comes from Select Sires’ Board of Directors as well as ongoing proceeds from a newly named sire,
7HO18102 RICHARD CHICHESTER, ensuring long-term support for emerging dairy leaders.
This scholarship expands Select Sires’ growing commitment to youth development, joining existing programs such as the George Miller Scholarship offered through Holstein Foundation. The goal is to empower students who are passionate about dairy genetics and agricultural innovation.
Students can apply here.
Advice for Students Entering the Dairy and Genetics Industry
Ziegler encourages young professionals to:
Learn from industry mentors
Stay open to new opportunities
Engage with foundational knowledge while embracing innovation
Bring fresh ideas to a rapidly evolving industry
As agriculture and genetics continue to accelerate with new technologies, today’s students have an exciting path ahead, one shaped by leaders like Richard Chichester who valued continuous improvement and genuine connection.
