Richard (Dick) Huggard
Richard James (Dick) Huggard has proven himself an invaluable asset to the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia. Through his decades of leadership and engagement with farmers, industry groups, and scientists, Dick has been touted as one of the best ambassadors for agriculture that Nova Scotia has ever had.
Born in 1935 in Norton, New Brunswick, Dick’s early years were spent on the family farm developing a deep appreciation for agriculture. After graduating from Belleisle Regional High School and working a year on the farm, Dick attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC). After graduating in 1956, he attended Macdonald College of McGill University, and earned his Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Husbandry in 1958. Dick was hired by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture as a Livestock Fieldman, where he was responsible for dairy and beef cattle, and spent years influencing animal science students during his lectures at NSAC.
Dick developed a greater appreciation for animal nutrition, prompting him to pursue his Master of Science degree in 1965 from the University of Illinois. Upon returning to Nova Scotia, Dick became Provincial Livestock Superintendent, and then Director of Livestock Services in 1973. His appointment as Director of Extension Services in 1975 was a natural choice. In the 11 years he held this position, Dick made wholesale improvements to the industry, and laid the foundation for the success of today’s producers.
Dick’s development of agricultural organizations continues to benefit the people of the province. As a young man, the 4H program helped Dick develop leadership skills that he built upon during his career. A great supporter of this youth program, Dick helped establish the first provincial 4H Leaders Council and Nova Scotia 4H Show, cornerstones of the provincial 4H program.
One of Dick’s greatest qualities is his ability to engage people. His sincerity and interest in others has enabled him to mobilize people for common goals. As an extension worker these trademark characteristics were instrumental in accomplishing change and creating new initiatives, including the first Young Farmers Conference, Farm and Safety Committee, and Provincial Farm Women’s Conference.
In 1986 Dick left Extension Services to become the Department of Agriculture’s Chief Director of Operations, and later the Executive Director of Administration. In 1991, Dick was appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Marketing, where he remained until his retirement in 1994, after 36 years in service to the province.
During his career, Dick was tireless in his commitment to community and professional organizations. He served as President of the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Nova Scotia Institute of Agriculture, both the Eastern Branch and Canadian Societies of Animal Science, and the Agricultural Institute of Canada. He also served as Chair of the Canadian Agri-Food Research Council.
For his extensive achievements Dick has been recognized by many organizations. In 1991, he was honoured as a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, he was named Distinguished Agrologist by the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists in 1995, and in 1999 he was recognized as a Distinguished Alum by the NSAC. In 2006 he became Dr. Huggard when he received an honourary Doctor of Laws degree, conferred jointly from NSAC and Dalhousie University. Dick has also been recognized by the Women’s Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society of Animal Science, and the Canadian Society of Extension.
In retirement Dick continues to support agriculture. He was instrumental in establishing the Class of ’56 Graduate Scholarship at NSAC, supporting students engaged in water related research. He is active in the Cobequid Salmon Association and is Chair of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Farm Equipment Museum, which boasts over 2,000 items.
Dick has always enjoyed spending time with his wife Marjorie, children Richard and Lesley, and their families, including four grandchildren. Some of his greatest pleasures include fishing, life at the cottage, and woodworking.
Nominated by the Nova Scotia 4H Council for his dedication to the rural people of Nova Scotia and his leadership to the agriculture community, Dick Huggard is a worthy inductee to the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.