Meet Todd Fitchette, Associate Editor, Western Farm Press
Where did you go to college?
I went to California State University, Chico.
Where do you work and how long have you been there?
I am an associate editor at Western Farm Press. I've been here almost seven years now.
Why did you pursue a career in ag communications?
I initially fell into it when I was working as the ag beat reporter for a daily newspaper in California. I accepted a job as the communications director of a county Farm Bureau, which included writing their weekly newspaper. Since then it's been rewarding in many ways.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
The people! Not only are the people critical to what I do, the relationships built are professionally and personally rewarding. I've met some of the nicest people on and off the farm through my career.
What's one piece of career advice you wish someone had given you?
Journalism school teaches you the "who, what where, when, how and why" of things, but doesn't teach much else. This is a career centered on relationships. More importantly, it's one I found a passion writing about. While that was something I stumbled upon, it was the people within agriculture who helped me find and develop that passion. We've probably heard about finding one's passion in life, at which point, our careers cease to become merely a "job." I believe it is vital for the future of ag communications for those of us here now to expose the next generation of communicators to the many facets of agriculture and let them cultivate their passion in telling agriculture's story.
Contact Todd on LinkedIn.