Len John Richardson, a soft-spoken and pioneering figure in the world of American agricultural journalists, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, at his home in Danville, California, according to his family. He was 85.
Born on May 31, 1938, to Russell Richardson and Berta Hines, Len's profound impact on the agricultural industry and his commitment to journalistic excellence spanned decades.
“Len was an incredible journalist, visionary and mentor. He was never afraid to question conventional ideas and boundaries,” said Agri-Pulse editor Sara Wyant. As Vice President of Editorial for Farm Progress in the late 1990s, Wyant oversaw California Farmer and dozens of other state farm magazines.
Len dedicated his life to the agricultural industry, leaving an indelible mark as the 10th editor of California Farmer, a 160-year-old publication that was originally privately owned and in its later years became part of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Farm Progress Companies (a division of Capital Cities/ABC) and Penton Media, which was California Farmer's publisher at the time its doors closed on April 1, 2013.
Len’s tenure at California Farmer spanned an impressive 32 years, during which he brought “insightful perspectives and unwavering dedication to his craft,” noted his son Randy. He previously held editorial positions with Top Farmers of America, Big Farmer, Farm Futures and National Future Farmer and also contributed to Agri-Pulse.
A true leader in agricultural policy circles, Len was a member of numerous prestigious organizations, including the National Food Foresight System’s Blue Ribbon Panel, where his contributions paved the way for future advancements in the field. He served as a member and former chair of the board of trustees of CURES (Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship) and as a past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association.
Throughout his career, Len received numerous accolades and honors, including being named California State Fair's Agriculturalist of the Year in 2007, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the agricultural community. He was also the recipient of the California State Fair’s 1999 Agricultural Progress Award and the Reuben Brigham Award for Agricultural Communication in Education.
Len's passion for journalism and agriculture extended beyond his professional endeavors. He served as a past chair of the California 4-H Foundation and the Agricultural Advisory Committee of the California State Fair. Additionally, Len was a former member of the UC President's Advisory Commission on Agricultural and Natural Resources and served on the UC Davis Agricultural Advisory Council until 2015.
In recognition of his achievements in journalism, Len was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the American Agricultural Editors Association in 2015, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
Len was named “Brother of the Century” in 2007 by Alpha Gamma Rho, the National Agricultural Fraternity. He is also a member of the Fraternity’s Heritage Club representing the Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Arizona, where he was a founding member.
Len is survived by his wife, Mary, his children Randy (Mitsuko) and Robin Mertes (Steve), and his twin brother, Glen (Walli).
“He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends for his loving nature, his penchant for puns, and his unwavering dedication to the agricultural community,” Randy wrote about his father.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Len's honor to the American Agricultural Editors' Association Professional Improvement Foundation (now Ag Communicators Network) and the National FFA and National 4-H.
California agricultural leaders remembered Richardson’s contributions to the industry:
“I loved reading how Len would transition his readers from one paragraph to the next, building a writing journey guided by logic, a rarity in the days of one-word sentences,” said Karen Ross, California secretary of food and agriculture. “California Farmer was a very popular read on the 4th Floor at the 1020 building.”
Western Growers Chairman Stuart Woolf said “it was a sad day in Huron when California Farmer closed its doors. Len’s commitment to telling the unfolding story of agriculture is well-known. He’s all over the world. We’ll miss him.”
“Len was an excellent journalist — the first and only State Fair Agriculturist of the Year. That’s about all you need to know,” said rice grower Al Montna. “He made the most complicated stories understandable to everyday producers and those of us called on to implement public policy in California.”
“Len’s leadership and commitment to sharing the untold story of agriculture will be sorely missed” said AG Kawamura, California secretary of food and agriculture from 2003-2010.
Kerry Tucker contributed to this report.
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