Shorthorn Show Honoree

Richardson Farms Shorthorns - Sam & Wilma Richardson

When you think of someone in the Shorthorn breed that represents dependability and knowledge of genetics then Sam and Wilma Richardson, Richardson Farms Shorthorns, have to be at the top of your list. They have been members of the American Shorthorn Association since 1965, but Sam’s knowledge of the breed goes back to when he started showing Shorthorns at the age of nine, and his family bred and sold the Grand Champion Steer over all breeds at the International Livestock Show in 1947 in Chicago. They sold the steer to Claude Millwee from Fort Cobb, Oklahoma.

Sam and Wilma were high school sweethearts and married in 1955. They have four children; Sammy Richardson, Sherrie Smith, Sarah Cardoza, and Shelly Ramsey. All of their children exhibited Shorthorns throughout their high school years, but Shelly continued showing all throughout her college years. In her sophomore year of college, she exhibited the Grand Champion Bred & Owned Heifer at the NJSS in California, as well as winning the Senior Champion Showmanship.

Their involvement goes well beyond just being a member of the ASA. Sam worked for the Chevron Corporation for 32 years and Wilma worked for the United Postal Service for 26 years. Their little town of Bray, Oklahoma has benefitted from the leadership of Sam for more than 45 years as a member of the Town Council, and he has served as Mayor for more than 40 years.

Both have served on various committees and boards throughout their community, but their true service has always been to the Shorthorn family. Sam has served on the Oklahoma Shorthorn Association Board for many years and many terms, serving as President. Richardson Farms received the honor of Oklahoma Breeder of the Year.

Wilma has been involved with the Lassie Association on the state and national level. She served on the National Lassie Board for 5 years and was recognized as the National Lassie of the Year. She also served as a 4-H Leader for 25 years and was recognized as 4-H Leader of the Year in 1990.

Richardson Farms genetics gained national recognition in the late 1980s and early 90s with the introduction of Rodeo Drive genetics into their herd. This pairing resulted in producing SR Red Riders Drive which was sold to Leveldale Farms at the Western Livestock Sale in Denver in 1992. The Rodeo Drive genetics also produced SR Crystal Drive, which was exhibited by Shelly and was named Grand Champion Bred & Owned at the California NJSS.

In recent years, Sam has focused his herd genetics more toward high-performing EPDs and feedlot performance. His purchase of Waukaru Gold Card brought outstanding performance to his herd, and the bull was named Performance Sire of the Year. Gold Card’s son, SR Gold Band was recognized as the High Indexing and $BMI Bull of the Breed. Those genetics are still setting records at feedlots, gaining the attention of many commercial cattlemen.

At the age of 86, both Sam and Wilma are starting to think about slowing down. They enjoy getting to follow their youngest granddaughter to shows, both zipping around on their scooters. Sam’s blood will always bleed Red, Roan, and White, and they will continue to promote the Shorthorn Breed.

Congratulations to Richardson Farms on being our 2023 Show Honoree!