Despite the recently erratic weather — snowstorms delaying planting, flooding from endless days of rain, lingering pockets of drought, manic temperature swings — I think it’s finally safe to say spring has sprung.
After the challenges of 2012 — many of the effects of which are still being felt up and down the grain and feed supply chain — the ag sector seems to be optimistic about the 2013 growing season and subsequent harvest. According to the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and Crop Production reports, the United States may be looking at a bumper crop year.
Hopefully planting doesn’t get delayed much longer and the weather will finally cooperates, as many, especially the livestock folks on the verge of a make-or-break year, are hoping for the best.
Year in and year out, it is understood that the risks and the rewards of working and living agriculture just go with the territory.
During the time I’ve spent on this magazine, I’ve visited grain and feed companies and have spoken with many people working in the various facets of agribusiness. The underlying theme gleaned from these interactions is that the ability to adapt and grow is the key to success.
As I write this, I am at a crossroad where I am certain that now is the time to take a new path in order to grow personally and professionally. After a decade with Cygnus Business Media (F&G’s parent company) I am leaving to pursue an incredible opportunity. That being said, this will be my last issue as the editor of Feed & Grain. I have enjoyed my time serving you, the reader, and this great industry.
I am grateful Arlette Sambs, our publisher, took a chance on a city girl and had the confidence to allow me to represent the magazine and support my editorial vision the last few years. I will sincerely miss working with this great team.
I assure you only good things are on the horizon for the publication as its future will be driven by Elise Schafer, Feed & Grain’s new editor. During her five-year tenure with the magazine, Elise has been an invaluable asset in covering the feed, regulatory and technology beats — driving many internal initiatives forward with her intelligence and incredible talent. Keep an eye on this gal; she’s going to do great things.
While my departure is bittersweet, I’m not actually saying good-bye. I will be staying in the industry that I’ve grown to love. If you see me around, please make sure to introduce yourself or if you’d like to stay connected follow me on Twitter at @jackieroembke or connect with me on LinkedIn.
All the best wishes for you and your business in the year to come.
Until we meet again!
