The manager of Vandal Brand Meats said Friday that his predecessor Ron Richard left a lasting impact on him and the other University of Idaho students who studied meat science in Moscow during the past few decades.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for his teaching and guidance,” James Nasados said.
On Friday, Richard’s legacy was cemented on campus as UI officially opened the new 12,750-square-foot Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard.
The $17.5 million building on the west side of campus has been in the works for years, and nearly 300 people attended its ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Richard’s family was in attendance.
“It really means a lot to all of us to see this finally come together,” Nasados said. “It opens up a lot more possibilities for us to expand in the future.”
The facility is where agricultural students can learn what it takes to prepare meats for consumers. Nasados said that includes harvesting the animal, processing it into food, packaging it and selling it through Vandal Brand Meats.
Richard started Vandal Brand Meats in 1988 and managed it for decades. It is where people can order products like Vandal Dogs, steaks and jerky. According to UI, Vandal Brand Meats generates more than $325,000 in annual sales.
The Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard is more than quadruple the size of the old facility, according to UI.