Tribute to David Richardson (1937–2025)
Farmer, communicator and champion of British Agriculture
David Richardson, a respected Norfolk farmer, journalist, and broadcaster, has died aged 88. For over 60 years, he was a powerful voice in British agriculture, known for his clarity, integrity, and tireless advocacy.
His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including an OBE, the Guild’s Netherthorpe Award, and the Farmers Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
He built a successful 400ha arable farm in Wymondham, Norfolk, while becoming a leading media figure. His broadcasting career began in the 1960s and included roles with the BBC and Anglia TV. From the 1990s, his long-running Farmers Weekly column became essential reading, admired for its honesty and insight.
David was a passionate advocate for sustainable farming. He co-founded LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) in 1991 and chaired the organisation for a decade. He also led the Oxford Farming Conference, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, and helped grow the farmer co-op Loddon Farmers (later Anglia Farmers).
David authored two books and remained a champion of young farmers through his work with the Norfolk Federation of Young Farmers and the Henry Plumb Foundation.
David Richardson will be remembered as a pioneering communicator and dedicated farmer who gave his life to strengthening and supporting British agriculture.
Tim Relf (former Farmlife editor at Farmers Weekly and Guild member) said:
“I was David’s editor for many years when I worked at Farmers Weekly. I say I was his ‘editor’ – but of course his work never needed any editing. He wrote with clarity, passion and fluency.
His interests ranged far and wide, he had a huge bank of experience and always had a wise perspective on issues.
As well as being a tireless and fearless advocate for British farmers, he was a source of inspiration to generations of agricultural journalists. Everyone who worked and works at Farmers Weekly will remember David fondly, with a huge amount of respect for him and his work.”
Guild member Isabel Davies, formerly also at Farmers Weekly said:
“I loved working with him – his columns were always thoughtful, well written and never late. When I first started managing him as a columnist, he invited me to the farm for a tour, fed me (well the wonderful Lorna did) and then sat me down to tell me he didn’t expect to have any of his words edited. I told him that there might be occasions where I might have to – but in truth that day never really came. He was such a professional his column would arrive and could be put on the page as it was.”
Caroline Stocks, Director of Communications at the Guild said:
“So incredibly sad to hear David Richardson has died. A character like no other, he was passionate about talking to the public about the value of food and farming way before it was cool to do so.
From the moment I started working at Farmers Weekly he would take time to chat, give career advice, or regale an entertaining story (of which he had many). His writing as a FW columnist was as legendary as his enormous hugs, and running into him and Lorna at the Farmers Club bar was always a joy.
I’m not sure we’ll ever have a champion of British agriculture quite like him again, but I’m glad I got to read so many of his words and learn so much from him. A true legend.”
