As I sit down to write this, the words that usually flow easily don’t seem to come. Maybe that’s because it’s hard to say goodbye to what has been a passion and a privilege the past 41 years, and especially the past 13.

Last month, the corporation that owns Farm Progress, the ag group of publications to which BEEF and Cow-Calf Weekly are part, decided to suspend publication of BEEF magazine and Cow-Calf Weekly. Our Monday-Thursday newsletter, BEEF Daily, will continue as will our website, webinar series and some new virtual products that are planned. 

By suspend, they mean that BEEF print, along with the print versions of Feedstuffs, National Hog Farmer and BEEF Vet, will go into hibernation. Then, should economic conditions improve to the point that it makes sense to bring any of those publications back to life, that can be done. As with BEEF, Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer will continue in the digital/virtual space in 2021, so stay tune for more details on that. Going forward you will also be able to find beef-related content in our Farm Progress state-farm publications. 

That said, this will be the last issue of Cow-Calf Weekly to hit your inbox. The January issue of BEEF magazine will be the last printed piece you’ll read.

I began writing, photographing and reporting on the beef business while still in college. My journey over those years led me to learn about and be a part of almost every sector of the beef business—seedstock, cow-calf and cattle feeding.

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When Joe Roybal hired me almost 13 years ago to join the team at BEEF, it was the answer to a dream and a prayer. It has truly been a privilege and a pleasure to bring you information that I hope has helped you run your operation better and commentary that I hope has stimulated you to think. No editor or writer can ask more than that.

Well, maybe one more thing. Starting with Roybal’s leadership, BEEF assembled an incredible bunch of writers and commentators. The old saw that there’s no I in Team applies here. This group of thinkers has been a pleasure to work with, even when we disagreed. I have learned and benefited from their wisdom and friendship and will always cherish them for making me and BEEF better.

Along the way, I have met, interviewed, argued with and become friends with the best people on earth, those who tend the livestock and land with the same passion and caring that I hope we have tended BEEF.  That, more than anything else, has made the journey so very worthwhile.

You, dear readers, have challenged, stimulated, schooled and guided me. For that I will always be grateful. “Thank you” doesn’t seem enough to express what you and BEEF mean to me, but it’s the best I can do.

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So, thank you. It’s been a heckuva ride.