Herbert “Monty” Montague Richards, Jr.

We are saddened to report the death of former Ka Le Hano Heritage award winner and legendary rancher Herbert “Monty” Montague Richards, Jr., at 88 from complications from a stroke. Monty was known for his love of the land, generosity to his community, and many innovations in ranching. At his 4,000-acre Kahua Ranch, he was the first in the state to initiate high-intensity rapid grazing practices, which can help cattle gain weight faster on grass. He established one of the first wind farms in Hawai‘i, introduced agritourism, and grew carnations in greenhouses and lettuce and tomatoes in hydroponic systems. For CTAHR, he served on the college’s Advisory Committee and as its CARET (Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Teaching) representative. He also served four terms on the UH Board of Regents and 16 years as chairman of the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee, as well as sitting on the boards of the Nature Conservancy, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, and many others. Public memorial services will take place on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu next month: July 21 at Kahua Ranch with visitation at 9 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow, and July 28 at Central Union Church in Honolulu, with visitation at 11 a.m. followed by a service at noon. A reception will follow. The family requests that no alcohol be brought.