WASHINGTON (AgPR) Aug. 25, 2026 — Agri-Pulse is pleased to welcome Tim Hearden as western editor, bringing more than 35 years of agricultural, government and community journalism experience to the nation’s leading farm and rural policy news organization.
Hearden joins Agri-Pulse after an eight-year stint as a senior staff writer and editor for Western Farm Press, part of Farm Progress’ nationwide family of agribusiness publications. Before that, he spent nine years as the California field reporter for Capital Press, covering producers, policy developments and industry trends across the West.
A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in journalism, Hearden spent 20 years as a reporter for daily newspapers. His coverage of flooding for the Napa Valley Register and drought for the Redding Record Searchlight earned California News Publishing Association awards. He is a past president and current committee member of North American Agricultural Journalists, where he has received numerous writing honors.
“We’re thrilled to have Tim’s expertise and deep reporting experience shaping our western agriculture coverage,” said Sarah Gonzalez, editor in chief of Agri-Pulse. “His grasp of the region’s producers, policies and pressures, and his dedication to balanced reporting, makes him an exceptional leader for our work in the West.”
“Having observed Agri-Pulse’s reporting over the years, I’m excited to join the organization as western editor,” Hearden said. “Agri-Pulse’s motto is ‘Balanced Reporting, Trusted Insights,’ and you’d be hard-pressed to find four more important words in journalism today. ‘Balanced’ means we cover a story from multiple perspectives. ‘Reporting’ means we present facts. ‘Trusted’ is the holy grail of news organizations, with the need to maintain trust leading every survey on the challenges the industry faces. And ‘insights’ means we provide context.
“We provide an important service to the agricultural community, and we do it with care and professionalism,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of our effort.”
Hearden lives in Redding, Calif., with his wife Sara, a preschool teacher and third-generation Shasta County resident.
He will report directly to Editor Sarah Gonzalez, replacing Brad Hooker who has left to pursue other opportunities. You can reach Hearden via email: Tim@Agri-Pulse.com. For advertising and sponsorship opportunities, contact Matt Herman: Matt@Agri-Pulse.com.
About Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
Agri-Pulse is the most trusted source for farm and rural policy information. With offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, California, and Camdenton, Missouri, we provide a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues, including the farm bill, nutrition, trade, labor, food safety, water, environment, biotechnology, organic, conservation and crop insurance. Agri-Pulse publishes a subscription-only e-newsletter, the Agri-Pulse Daily Harvest early morning news summary, Agri-Pulse Daybreak, Agri-Pulse DriveTime podcast, Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and breaking news on www.Agri-Pulse.com.
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Media Contact:
Sara Wyant
sara@agri-pulse.com
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