Dr. Harlan Ritchie’s profound legacy and influence on the cattle industry is unmatched. Throughout the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the Michigan State University (MSU) professor championed change, driving cattle trends with his bold selections in the show ring, groundbreaking research and published works.  

“Dr. Ritchie had the innate ability to foresee the future needs of the beef cattle industry,” said Ken Geuns, Ritchie’s business partner in Ventura Farms. 

Up until his passing in 2016, Ritchie was first and foremost a student, a seeker of knowledge. It was his constant curiosity and passion for learning that laid the foundation for him to become one of the world’s leading experts on cattle. The Iowa native traveled the world speaking about his work, seeking out the value in all types of cattle and judging premier cattle shows. In the ring, Ritchie made selections that pushed the industry to think differently. 

“Having the courage to walk out in front of thousands and thousands and thousands of people and slap an animal that you deem champion, that nobody else deems champion, requires tremendous courage,” said Jason Rowntree, who knew Ritchie and now serves as MSU Faculty Coordinator at the Lake City Research Center where Ritchie did much of his research. 

What stands out most to those who had the opportunity to cross paths with Ritchie is his generosity with his time and wisdom; always willing to have a conversation, answer questions and offer his insights.  

“My dad was a very hard working, passionate person about the beef cattle industry,” said Ritchie’s oldest son, Bill. “He was very humble; very kind and generous.” 

Ritchie is remembered as a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of the cattle industry, pushing against the grain to drive meaningful and impactful change that continues to play a role in the success of today’s market.