AJ Richards' Journey from Military to Ranching Roots
AJ Richards, a fifth-generation rancher from St. George, Utah, has a story that resonates with many Americans concerned about food security. Originally considering himself the 'city-slicker cousin' of his ranching family, Richards took a winding path before returning to the land. After serving in the U.S. military, he pursued various ventures unrelated to agriculture, but eventually found his calling working for his family's beef ranch in Cody, Wyoming. It was there that he began to notice a profound disconnect between Americans and the food they consume, a realization that would shape his future mission.
Richards' military service instilled in him a deep sense of duty, and his return to ranching became more than just a job—it became a patriotic endeavor to protect the nation’s food supply. His work now focuses on strengthening the ties between farmers and consumers, ensuring that the backbone of America—its agricultural community—remains resilient in the face of challenges.
Supply Chain Struggles and a Divine Vision
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in the food supply chain, an issue that struck Richards deeply. He observed empty store shelves while knowing that ranches, including his family’s, had an abundance of livestock ready for market. 'We had empty store shelves, but we had all these fat cows,' Richards remarked, highlighting the stark separation between food production and consumption in America. This disparity fueled his determination to find a solution.
Amid these reflections, Richards experienced what he describes as a divine vision—a calling to address the looming threat of famine. He began to view famine not as a possibility, but as an inevitability, stating, 'It’s a when, not if scenario.' This spiritual moment propelled him to launch initiatives like Feed The People By The People, aimed at connecting consumers directly with local and regional farmers. His vision is to make Cody, Wyoming, the 'epicenter' of regenerative agriculture, as noted in discussions with local media in the Big Horn Basin.
Richards also speaks out about systemic issues, pointing to the control exerted by government bodies like the USDA and the Department of Interior over family farms and ranches. He believes this oversight contributes to the collapse of small-scale agriculture, further separating Americans from their food sources. His efforts are supported by a growing homesteading movement and a sympathetic USDA, which he hopes will aid in rebuilding resilient food systems.
Empowering Consumers and Advocating for Change
Through platforms like From the Farm, Richards is revolutionizing how people source their food by creating direct purchasing opportunities between consumers and farmers. He emphasizes the long-term benefits of this approach, stating, 'If you pay the farmer now, you’re not going to pay pharma later.' This philosophy underscores his belief that food is health, and supporting local agriculture is an investment in personal and communal well-being.
Beyond his platform, Richards is a vocal advocate for regenerative agriculture and resilient systems. As president of Wyoming Legacy Meats, he champions practices that not only produce high-quality beef but also sustain the land for future generations. He collaborates with organizations like R-CALF USA to support independent cattle producers and combat issues like imported beef and market manipulation by corporate and foreign interests.
Richards’ work is a call to action for consumers to know their ranchers and farmers, ensuring access to clean meat and produce. His message is clear: food sovereignty is one of the greatest fights facing the nation today. By shaking the hand that feeds them, Americans can help build a future where the food supply chain is secure, transparent, and rooted in community—a mission that Richards pursues with unwavering dedication inspired by both personal conviction and national pride.