About 70 family and friends gathered at the Heriot Community Centre for the launch of Born Lucky.
Written by former Otago Daily Times farming editor John Stirling, the book is the story of Mr Richardson's life.
He started out with nothing and went on to become one of the largest sheep farmers in the country.
The book was a collaborative effort over the past two years, although the idea was first floated about four years ago.
Long-time family accountant Bill Cooney had suggested to one of Mr Richardson's sons, Allan, that his father should write the story of his life.
On Thursday, the book was released. For his part, Mr Richardson (75) was taking it all in his stride.
While it was a great occasion to be with family and friends, it was also just another day.
"I've been tailing lambs this morning. Got the call from the boss [Allan] and went out and gave a hand."
The 96-page book details the life of a man regarded as one of New Zealand farming's most enduring leaders.
It covers five decades, from the 1950s to the start of the 21st century.
Mr Richardson served on the Otago Harbour Board in 1986-89, the first two terms of the Otago Regional Council, PPCS Ltd from 1988-2002 and was Otago Federated Farmers president between 1984-87.
His farming operations earned him the 1974 A. C. Cameron Award and in 1978, he received the Grasslands Memorial Award.
In 1986, regarded as farming's lowest point in New Zealand, Mr Richardson had a celebrated clash with then prime minister David Lange at the opening of the new Invermay research station.
