Geni Wren(L-R) Dr. Dale Grotelueschen, Pfizer Animal Health, Dr. Tim Richards and Dr. Guy Loneragan Tim Richards, DVM, Kamuela, Hawaii, was named the 2011 Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) Consultant of the Year at last week's winter AVC meeting in Denver.

The annual award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, is the most prestigious award from the AVC, and is now in its 25^th year. It recognizes a member's contributions to the AVC, the field of veterinary medicine and the beef cattle industry.

The award consists of a silver belt buckle and a $2,000 donation to the school of veterinary medicine of the recipient’s choice.

Richards serves and is an active participant on the AVC Standards of Practice and Beef Cattle Health and Well-being Committees. He has also served on the Board of Directors. In 2005, Richards hosted one of the three annual AVC meetings in Hawaii, where he is a 3rd-generation rancher and is integrally involved in managing a cow-calf operation consisting of approximately 3,300 cows on 8,500 acres.

Richards serves as president of a mixed-animal veterinary practice on the Big Island of Hawaii where he is the lead veterinarian for most of the major ranches in Hawaii and consequently, is responsible for health and well-being of the majority of the cattle in the entire state of Hawaii. He works continuously for improvement in herd health options to prepare Hawaiian cattle for transport to the Mainland, care during transport, and post-arrival performance.

A graduate of Washington State University, Richards has been extremely active in mentoring veterinary students and providing internship opportunities.

Richards currently serves as vice president of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and in 1999 was the co-winner of the Hawaii Cattleman of the Year. He also chairs the state’s Beef Quality Assurance committee and serves on the Hawaii Cattle Producers Cooperative Board. He is also a representative to the U.S. Animal Health Association and has served many other livestock and industry associations.