Page 5 - Demo

January 2025 %u2022 The Midwest Cattleman %u2022 Page 5THE COWBOY WAYHappy New Year from the Black Family! When my wife Laura and I were given the opportunity to assume ownership of this publication, we knew it was a gift. So we extend a tremendous amount of thanks to Keith and Glenna Carmichael for handing over the reins and allowing us to carry on a 30-year legacy. We also knew that it would be important to continue the heritage of valuable print material for readers, while embracing new opportunities and pursuing new growth. Therefore, our mission for The Midwest Cattleman is to remain true to educating cow-calf producers to help them be successful with grassland farming and beef cattle production. Pursuing that mission means we will continue to provide a valuable print publication that you will want to read cover-to-cover. In addition to news and industry information, we%u2019re excited to bring three unique topical features to every issue. This particular issue will include a Red Angus breeder profile on McEntire Red Angus, and engaging stories around virtual fencing and cattle handling techniques. But it doesn%u2019t end there!As we work to expand our online presence and remain relevant to a younger audience, along with providing additional value to our subscribers, we are sharing the full audio of every feature story interview and publishing the print version as a stand alone post so you can read it online anytime. The interviews and articles will be available on our website (www.midwestcattleman.com) and I highly encourage you to listen each month to the stories and additional information shared. Additionally, if you view the online version of the paper, you%u2019ll be able to access each advertiser%u2019s website by clicking on their ad. The final content expansion opportunity that we%u2019re excited to share is the upcoming release of new digital platforms, allowing you to engage anytime, anywhere. Watch for these launch announcements over the coming months and SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!!! Ok, I know that%u2019s a lot, and if you%u2019re still reading this column, thank you for being plugged in and engaged already.To bring this all back to a practical standpoint, we live in a world that is experiencing constant change. Some good, some bad. In reality, we continue to live in unprecedented times. Politics are changing, cattle markets are historical, and new opportunities are waiting around every curve and hillside. You%u2019ve probably heard the old saying %u201cThe seven most expensive words a cattleman can say is %u2018We have always done it this way.%u2019%u201d And it%u2019s 110% true. So whether you are evaluating changes to your operation, pondering changes in our government, or wondering why there are so many changes happening with The Midwest Cattleman%u2026I encourage and invite you to find the change that will bring you the most benefit and lean into the new opportunities. I also want to thank you for representing the traditions and values that should NEVER change. For holding on to honesty, integrity, hard work and a love of the land, livestock and our Lord. Continue to remain grounded in what is right, even if it isn%u2019t easy. As I look to the future of The Midwest Cattleman, our cattle operation, our businesses, our family and our life, I%u2019m excited for the opportunities that change always brings. I%u2019m excited to experience new things, learn from my mistakes and make a life that%u2019s better for myself, my family and my community. It sounds clich%u00e9, but it%u2019s a powerful mindset and something that I hope resonates with you. Thank you for joining us on this new adventure and may God bless you immensely in 2025.Keep Ridin%u2019 for the Brand,by Austin BlackBeef industry news and stories anytime, anywhere.www.midwestcattleman.comFollow Us Online@themidwestcattlemanStay Connected with The Midwest Cattleman