Thank You and Farewell
With mixed feelings, the February 2020 issue is my last as I’ve announced plans to retire from my position as editor of Bovine Veterinarian.
While I anxiously welcome the time I’ll have to spend with family, hobbies, learning and volunteering, I know I will greatly miss many aspects of the work I’ve done for the past 27 years with Drovers and Bovine Veterinarian. Mostly, I’ll miss the people.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and engaging with farmers, ranchers and veterinarians across the United States and Canada. In many cases, I’ve visited their homes or practices, met their families and toured their properties. I’ve visited with university researchers and Extension faculty, professionals from federal agencies and industry associations and representatives from allied industry. I’ve broken bread with many of you, at conference meals or even in your homes. More of you than I can list, or even count, have helped me by taking time to talk, contributing to articles and editing my messy drafts.
In virtually every case, I’ve found people involved in agriculture, and specifically those in the beef and dairy sectors, to be kind, generous, honest, thoughtful, humble and passionate about agriculture. I’ve also met a few “outliers,” but I appreciate them too – life is too short to hold grudges.
Internally, I’ve been fortunate to work with a long line of skilled, creative and passionate colleagues over my years with Drovers and Bovine Veterinarian, and I thank them for their help, their patience and their willingness to tolerate my – let’s say “unconventional” approach.
I sincerely hope my efforts have created at least some positive impact and contributed to the advancement of animal agriculture.
Nostalgia aside, I’m looking to the future more than the past. Our February issue focuses on upcoming trends, and how food-animal veterinarians will need to adapt to new technologies and evolving food-production priorities. While the challenges in the coming years will be significant, opportunities for veterinarians are even more so, as producers increasingly depend on them for guidance.
At this time, I don’t yet know who will take over as editor, but the management team at Farm Journal is evaluating several fine candidates. Farm Journal remains committed to serving animal agriculture, and recognizes the importance of veterinarians as critical influencers and change agents within the beef and dairy sectors.
Although I’m retiring, my passion for beef and dairy producers, animal health and welfare, sustainable agriculture and efficient food production remains. You’ll probably see my name on occasional articles or commentaries.
In any case, I won’t be bored. My plans are filled with trails to explore, roads to travel, fish and game to frighten, home and garden projects to complete and books to read.
Keep up the good work!
