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In Memoriam: Remembering Todd Fitchette

Today
CALES Communications
Todd Fitchette at a podium at CALES Awards Night

Todd Fitchette spent more than three decades telling the stories of Western agriculture and the people shaping its future. A longtime agricultural journalist and editor with Western Farm Press, Todd was a familiar voice across the industry, bringing thoughtful, accessible reporting to the issues that matter to growers, researchers and agricultural communities. The University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences joins colleagues and friends across the agricultural community in remembering Todd and the lasting impact of his work. 

Through his coverage of the University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension, the Arizona Experiment Station and the Yuma Center for Excellence in Desert Agriculture, Todd helped bring the university’s agricultural research and educational programming to audiences across the Southwest. His reporting highlighted advances in arid-land agriculture, pest management, water conservation, agricultural technology and sustainability.  

"Todd was a true friend of agriculture and a valued partner to YCEDA and CALES. He understood the importance of the work being done to support growers and was always willing to help tell those stories. Through his reporting, he helped bring visibility to the challenges, innovations, and successes of the agricultural community in Arizona and California," said Tanya Hodges, who worked with Todd through the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. "We will remember Todd for his professionalism, his genuine interest in the people behind the work, and his commitment to sharing the stories that matter." 

Known for his thoughtful, accurate and balanced journalism, Todd recognized the importance of sharing not just scientific discoveries, but the people and purpose behind them. His reporting brought the work of university researchers, Extension professionals and producers to a broader audience, helping more people appreciate the importance of agricultural research and its impact on communities across the region. 

"Todd had a remarkable ability to report on issues important to Arizona’s agricultural community, providing not only the facts but also the context, history, and future implications that allowed readers to see the complete picture," said Ed Martin, who considered Todd a valued partner in sharing Cooperative Extension stories. "His commitment to thoughtful, accurate journalism helped educate and inform generations of agricultural producers, community leaders, and stakeholders across the state. His professionalism, insight, and dedication to telling the full story earned the respect of all who knew and worked with him," he said. 

CALES recently honored Todd with its Science Communicator of the Year Award, recognizing his longstanding commitment to making agricultural research accessible to diverse audiences. In his acceptance speech, Todd reflected on what made the work meaningful to him: the people he met, the opportunity to keep learning about agriculture and the chance to share that knowledge with others. His remarks spoke to the curiosity and care he brought to his journalism and his belief in the importance of helping people understand the issues shaping agriculture. 
 
"Todd had a remarkable way of making people feel that their work mattered. He took genuine pride in learning from our Cooperative Extension IPM specialists, always showing up to events with his notebook, eager to listen, learn, and share what he discovered," said Macey Keith, who worked with Todd during his reporting on Integrated Pest Management research in Yuma. "His curiosity was sincere, his enthusiasm contagious, and his commitment to telling our stories gave a voice to so many, especially those just beginning their careers. Todd spent his life shining a light on the work of others, leaving a lasting impact on the people and communities whose stories he told. He will be greatly missed."