First of all, I would like to welcome to our publication 8,000 additional readers since we decided to include Ag Nutrient Management inside Progressive Dairyman magazine. With the continual changes and challenges that come with animal production, we felt it was best to get this tool in the hands of everyone we know who deal with livestock.

This change in circulation has brought about one other change, the size of the magazine. In order to most easily accommodate the magazine’s insertion, we decided a size change would be best. You will still find the same progressive information and dedication we have always put into our publication. Don’t let the size fool you. We will continue to provide information that makes a difference on your production facility.

You have just gotten your answers as to why the publication has changed size, why it is nested inside Progressive Dairyman and why we have a little different look. Those were the easy answers. The other answer, while the most important of all, is probably best served by looking at a tragic situation that occurred recently.

I, along with many of you, have read and watched a difficult story unfold in Bridgewater, Virginia, a couple of weeks ago. The tragedy has left a family and community shaken at the loss of a husband, his wife, two of their daughters and a friend and co-worker. The loss is one that will affect the lives of everyone this event touched for many years, some for a lifetime.

I am not here to questions those that went to the aid of the others. In those moments of desperation, I am certain that many of us would have done the same thing – try to save those we love. Why this happened or had to happen, I do not have the answer.

The answer I have is to why we have this publication. Every day, people involved in animal agriculture have to deal with the honest realities of their industry. Manure management is one of these realities. From on-site storage and management to manure movement and final use, manure management is a continuous issue in animal production. It is not going away and neither are the management decisions needed to effectively deal with this byproduct from raising livestock.

It is our commitment to continue to provide the information that will make a difference in your operation. I am constantly asked when I attend various events as to why we would produce a magazine dedicated to manure management. My answer is always the same. As long as there is animal production, there will always be a need to deal with every aspect of production, no matter how unglamorous it may appear. The opportunity comes in being able to help people and in turn help their facility, their employees and the community they are a part of. It is an opportunity we will continue to be a part of for a long time coming. ANM