Progressive – It’s always a wise decision

Though I’ve been writing for Progressive Dairyman and El Lechero for about a year, I recently began working full-time for Progressive Dairy Publishing. For anyone interested in my background, I have been involved with dairy for as long as I can remember. I grew up on an Ayrshire/Holstein farm in Oklahoma, lived and worked at the Oklahoma State University dairy, coached the dairy judging team at New Mexico State University and have judged many shows across the country. In addition to previous dairy journalism experience, I have worked in the industry with a nutrition and feed company and a dairy reproductive company.

You know, when I get a chance to step back, I love to discover God’s plan. My wife and I moved to Lubbock a few years ago so she could get her Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition at Texas Tech. (I had been pushing for Texas A&M versus the dust of west Texas.) Her moment of decision came after a well-respected professor agreed to be her adviser at Texas Tech. At that time, we had no idea how the Texas panhandle was getting ready to be the booming dairy area in the country.

Of course, there were already some large dairies in nearby towns like Hereford, Clovis and Roswell. But the Dalhart area got everyone talking, and I soon found it on the map and made the short trip.

The Hilmar cheese plant has spurred a lot of the growth, along with some great marketing by the High Plains Dairy Council. Strict environmental laws and growing populations in other areas have also played a part in bringing cows to more producer-friendly areas, such as the Texas Panhandle. This has forced many producers to deal with weather or environmental conditions they have never seen before. At the same time, dairymen across the country have had to re-examine all-important social issues, such as immigration law.

I am proud to be working for Progressive Dairyman. I think it was a wise decision when they included the adjective “progressive” in the name of their business more than 20 years ago. In the short time I’ve been working with them, I have seen the magazine make some dramatic (if not entrepreneurial) moves to keep ahead of the game. In fact, I believe bringing me on board was one of those moves.

The word “progressive” is also a fitting term for the producers and companies we serve. While one dairy may decide to add 1,000 cows, another may realize some benefits from going organic. Their suppliers adapt to better serve both. To me, they’re all progressive.

So that’s a little about me and the way I see it. (A detailed description of what I actually know would have been much shorter.)

Seriously, though, I’m here to serve not only Progressive Dairy Publishing but the entire industry to the best of my abilities. I will be concentrating much of my efforts on the Southwest region from my home office in Lubbock, Texas. I welcome your ideas, questions or comments.

It’s a very diverse industry, but most of us share a common passion. In the end, it’s doing what you love and finding a way to make it work. I know I am. As always, God does the rest. PD