On March 26, 2026, the Select Sires family lost one of the most influential, steady, and beloved leaders in its history. Richard H.L. “Dick” Chichester passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that shaped not only Select Sires, but
the entire artificial insemination industry in the United States. As we reflect on his life and leadership, our hearts are with his wife, Jackie, and the entire Chichester family. The Select Sires community is holding Jackie close in prayer, gratitude,
and love.
Dick guided Select Sires for 26 years through one of the most challenging and transformative eras the A.I. industry had ever seen. When he stepped into leadership in the early 1970s, the cooperative was still young and creating its identity. The industry
itself was shifting rapidly with new technologies coming into play. Yet through all of it, Dick’s steady hand, calm presence, and unwavering commitment to farmers helped Select Sires grow into one of the most successful and respected A.I. organizations
in the nation.
General Manager Dick Chichester being interviewed during a CBS news documentary.
Those who worked with him often described him as a statesman among A.I. managers – measured, thoughtful, principled, and deeply respected. He was the kind of leader who could walk into a room full of tension and leave it full of possibility. He had a
gift for listening, for understanding the heart of a problem, and for guiding people toward solutions that honored both the cooperative structure and the farmers it served. His leadership was never about ego or authority; it was about service, stewardship,
and doing what was right.
Dick’s humility was one of his defining traits. He believed deeply that Select Sires existed for farmers, and he made decisions with their needs at the forefront. He often reminded his team, “Remember who your customers are. We are working
for the benefit of the dairy and beef producer.” That philosophy shaped every program, every investment, and every strategic decision during his tenure.
His respect for colleagues was equally profound. He surrounded himself with people he admired and people he trusted to challenge him, advise him, and help build something lasting. He valued honesty, even when it was uncomfortable. He valued expertise,
even when it meant admitting someone else knew more. And he valued character above all else. Many of the individuals who helped shape Select Sires’ genetic programs, marketing strategies, and operational systems were people Dick personally recruited,
mentored, or empowered. He believed in hiring the right people and then giving them the space to excel.
His impact on Select Sires was so profound that the board of directors honored him in a way reserved only for the most transformative leaders: they named the main office building after him. It stands today as a testament to his decades of service and
his vision for the dairy and beef industries. It is a daily reminder to employees, visitors, and members that Select Sires was shaped by a leader who cared deeply about people, progress, and purpose.
Even after his retirement, Dick remained a respected voice in the industry. His insights were sought after, his stories cherished, and his wisdom passed down to new generations of leaders. The National Dairy Shrine recognized his extraordinary contributions
by naming him Guest of Honor in 1994, the organization’s highest distinction. It was a fitting acknowledgment for a man whose influence extended far beyond Select Sires and into the broader fabric of the dairy and beef industries.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication, a new scholarship has been established in his name at the National Dairy Shrine. For those moved to honor Dick’s memory, contributions can be made at https://dairyshrine.org.
This scholarship will support young people pursuing careers in agriculture, an enduring tribute to a man who believed deeply in the next generation and who spent his life helping others succeed.
Dick’s story is woven into the history of Select Sires: the difficult early years, the challenges, the expansion of member cooperatives, the development of groundbreaking genetic programs, the rise of legendary bulls like 7HO58 ELEVATION, and the
steady growth of a cooperative that would become a global leader. But more than the milestones, it is the relationships he built, the trust he earned, and the integrity he embodied that define his legacy.
He was a leader who never forgot where he came from. A manager who treated every person with dignity. A colleague who listened more than he spoke. A mentor who believed in people. A husband devoted to Jackie. And a man whose life’s work strengthened
an entire industry.
Today, the Select Sires family mourns his passing, but we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, humility, and heart. Dick Chichester leaves behind a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire us for generations.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.