Mr Richardson, whose family farms near Wymondham, Norfolk had a huge influence on agriculture, and the public perception of food and farming, throughout his long career in agriculture and journalism.
He first rose to prominence in 1960 when he was recruited by farmer and Anglia TV presenter Dick Joice to take part in a series on rural affairs.
That was the start of a broadcasting career that included presenting roles on BBC’s TV Farming Programme and BBC Radio’s On Your Farm, as well as Farming Diary and Country People for Anglia TV.
He was a longstanding Farmers Weekly columnist and wrote columns for other national publications as well.
Alongside his flourishing media career, he ran a mixed farm in partnership with his brother Philip for more than 30 years. After the livestock and arable enterprises separated in 2001, he looked after the arable side with his son Rob and wife Lorna, who died in 2018.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said many farmers would recall watching Mr Richardson promoting the industry so effectively on television.
“He was a lifelong champion of farming and such a well-known and well-respected figure,” he said.
“He was a strong and effective advocate for all aspects of the industry and it was an honour to meet him and get to know him in his later years.”
Sad to read the sad passing of the legend that was David Richardson. Growing up watching him on Anglia TVs Farming Diary. He has helped shape the industry we know today. Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/azWPfunysj
— Michael Sly (@mhssly) August 19, 2025
Campaigning on food security
Former NFU Sugar Board Chair Michael Sly said he had grown up watching David Richardson on Anglia TV’s Farming Diary.
“Sundays at my grandparents, it was a rite of passage to watch Farming Diary. At the time David was a huge influence within the media world, he was a pioneer and a true leader who helped shape the industry we know today,” he said.
Sir Peter Kendall told Farmers Weekly how Mr Richardson’s campaigning on food security hit home with Tony Blair’s Labour government.
“That push in 2006 was in no small part down to David asking difficult questions about what farmers were going to do going forward,” he said.
“David started a massive debate in the NFU and within the industry about farmers needing to be competitive and productive.”
Farmer and journalist David Richardson. Image: Newsquest
Former NFU Norfolk County Chair Tony Bambridge said: “David will be truly missed. I knew him as a man who was kind and generous with his time, his support and his guidance, and who was always approachable.
“I heard him explain, on Farming Today, that he had an inquisitive nature and liked to ask questions, of which the answers might be interesting, not only to him but to other people as well.
“And In all my contact with him, including the NFU, Anglia Farmers and the Mardlers discussion group, you could always rely on David to ask a question. They would always be polite but insightful. He was always the speaker’s friend but the question was deceptively searching.”
'A towering figure in Norfolk agriculture'
Among the many online tributes, Mark Nicholas, managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, described him as ‘a towering figure in Norfolk agriculture’.
He added: "A man of conviction, he never lost sight of the need to innovate and move forward. We are all better off for David’s long and significant contribution to Norfolk’s rural life."
And, posting on LinkedIn, former Agriculture Minister and MP Jim Paice said: “David and I crossed paths, and occasionally swords, for many decades. His heart was always with our industry, which could never have a stronger advocate.”
Many leadership roles
Mr Richardson held many leadership roles within agriculture, included chair of the Oxford Farming Conference and the Sentry Farming Conference.
He was president of Norfolk Young Farmers and a trustee of the Henry Plumb Foundation. In 1991, he co-founded LEAF (Linking Environment and Food), whose Open Farm Sunday events attract thousands of people onto farms every year.
Nine years later he was awarded an OBE for services to integrated farming.
Hertfordshire farmer Ian Pigott worked closely with him, both at LEAF and as fellow Farmers Weekly columnists.
"David was a dear and trusted friend. Not only to me personally but to farmers and farming in the U.K. and to far reaching corners of the world," he said.
"His thinking was often ahead of its time and founding LEAF is a great example of that.
"He used the power of his pen, the persuasion of his presence and the generosity of his mind to influence from Westminster to Wymondham.
"David was great company. He and Lorna were always interested in the goings on of younger farmers and new techniques. He had a wonderful brain and a fabulous ability to remember people and their interests."
Influencing agricultural policy
Image: The Richardson family
His family said that, alongside his many achievements, he would be remembered for his warmth, wisdom and humour.
His brother Philip said: "Farming, generally speaking, is a rather parochial existence. Most farmers don't have the broader view of what is going on beyond their own back yard.
“The difference David was able to bring was to broaden the minds of so many people within the industry as to what was going on both politically and technically, not just about UK or Norfolk agriculture, but a broader view of world agriculture."
Rob Richardson said his father's influence was evident from the speakers he was able to bring to the Mardlers' discussion group that he helped to found 60 years ago.
"I don't say it lightly, but I think he has been a policy influencer as well," he said.
"He held people to account who needed to be held to account, until he got an answer he could work with.”
Mr Richardson leaves three children, Andrew, Rob and Fiona, and three grandchildren, Ashley, Angus and Monty. His family is planning a private funeral, but a public memorial service will be held later.
- With thanks to EDP Agricultural Editor Chris Hill for additional content.