Most recently, people were posting three positive things for which they were thankful. They did this for five days in a row and challenged their friends to participate as well. To kick things off, here are three things I am thankful for pertaining to this issue of Progressive Dairyman.
1. I am thankful to the dairy producers that opened up to me or other writers to allow us to share their stories with you. First of all, there is the Markus family. You saw a glimpse of their story on the cover and can learn more by clicking here to read their story.
Some of you may recall I mentioned Clarence and Wendy Markus last year in my editorial for our Thanksgiving issue. Clarence and I continued to stay in touch throughout the year and while the family celebrated Thanksgiving early this year (on July 22 with more than 2,000 guests at their farm), we felt now was the right time to bring you their heartfelt story of recognizing how blessings come in many different ways.
Another great story that developed over the summer was that of the Whale family at Clovermead Farms. They were selected as the recipients of the Dairy Farm Sustainability Award from Dairy Farmers of Canada. Knowing that this farm, (click here to read about them), as well as many others across the country, keeps sustainability in mind with its farming practices is something we can all be thankful for today and into the future.
Lastly, I had the chance to interview Jamie Beaumont, Murray Hutton, and Martin and Erica van Rooyen to find out how they manage their forages. In the debut of our Big Dairy, Small Dairy (click here to read), we attempted to show how farms of different sizes use varying approaches managing a particular area on the dairy. I hope this feature helps spur some ideas for farms of all sizes.
2. I am grateful for the many technical experts who are willing to share their knowledge with you through topic-based articles. This issue we focused on feed, forages and nutrition, facilities, planning and management, and hoof care.
Writing for industry publications is not always in the job description for many of our authors, yet they willingly do so as a means to share ideas and concepts to better dairy production and help advance the industry.
3. It is a team effort to produce a magazine. There are a number of people within our company who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure you are receiving the best information in the best possible manner every month.
For this issue in particular, I have to personally thank Peggy Coffeen, Fredric Ridenour and Ray Merritt for their extra effort to cover my responsibilities while I took some time to be with my family.
It is always reassuring to know that a project has been left in very capable hands, and I am blessed to have some fantastic co-workers.
Since this is all the space I have and my only opportunity to address you for the next month, I won’t be able to continue this thankfulness challenge for the next four days.
However, I will challenge you to find three things you are thankful for today. Make a mental note or write them down. If it happens to be a person or group of people in your life, be sure to tell them before the day is done.
Happy Thanksgiving! PD
- Karen Lee
- Editor
- Progressive Dairyman magazine
