The University of Idaho has unveiled its new Meat Science and Innovation Center honoring Ron Richard. The center, located at 775 Perimeter Drive in Moscow, will host a grand opening on April 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. This 12,750 square foot facility will enable larger classes, expand training and research opportunities, and increase production capacity to enhance the university’s meat science program and Vandal Brand Meats.
The new center will provide small-scale northern Idaho ranchers with a place to process their beef and offer training to fill more jobs in meat processing facilities across the state. It is one of the few USDA-inspected plants that allows small local ranchers to process their beef. The center replaces the previous 1960s building and includes dedicated spaces to improve efficiency by allowing multiple operations simultaneously.
Ron Richard, a former manager of Vandal Brand Meats, played a significant role in shaping the brand’s reputation. The brand generates $325,000 in sales annually. The university’s meat science program boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates within the meat sector and similar industries.
The Meat Science and Innovation Center not only honors Ron Richard but also aims to enhance student education, research, local beef processing, and job placements in the meat industry.
