TY - JOUR T1 - Meet Chief Richards JF - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation SP - 86 LP - 88 VL - 46 IS - 2 AU - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Y1 - 1991/03/01 UR - http://www.jswconline.org/content/46/2/86.abstract N2 - William, “Bill,” Richards, an Ohio State University graduate in agricultural economics, was named chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service in November 1990. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Richards farmed near Circleville, Ohio, and over the years became known as a pioneering advocate of conservation tillage. Not only was he among the first farmers in the United States to practice conservation tillage on his entire acreage, but he also has travelled throughout this country and others in an attempt to promote its use. Recently, the JSWC editorial staff was able to pose the following questions to Mr. Richards about his new responsibilities at SCS. ▪ JSWC: What motivates a person like yourself-successful farmer and businessman—to give up what must have been a satisfying life in the private sector for a public-sector position like the one you've recently accepted? ▪ Richards: One of the motivations is the challenge. I've been a student of farm policy all my life, and I've been involved in conservation all my life. Conservation tillage has been the motivating force that has allowed me to meet wonderful people all … ER -