Hi everyone — 2024 was a significant year for me personally. I became the editor of the Western Producer, which is a responsibility that I take seriously.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most has been connecting with farmers. The experience so far has left me even more committed to meeting your information needs with our paper.
We’ve had a lot of conversations with farmers who subscribe to the Western Producer over the past year as part of our efforts to guide our team to provide the news, information and analysis that farmers have come to expect.
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I learned a lot about what matters to you. I heard extensively from people who are committed to receiving a print newspaper. We are equally committed to providing you with one.
When I took on this job, I didn’t expect I would be putting out a paper without a postal service to deliver it. But we kept working on new drop-off locations and online ways to provide you with the newspaper you’ve made part of your weekly routine.
It appears we will soon be returning to regular delivery schedule. Thank you for your patience.
The postal labour dispute is just one of the many economic stories that affected us this year, just as we know the economic outlook is changing for each of you. Every family and every farm has needed to adjust, just as our business has had to adjust to the changing media landscape.
Despite this, we’ve made no drastic cuts or changes to the way we operate. Our changes are focused on keeping what matters to you and adjusting where needed.
I want to thank all the subscribers who have taken the time to give me input. I’m always open to hearing from you.
Heading into the new year, I’m pleased to let you know we’re introducing some new columns and content.
In this issue you will find the first Ask a Lawyer column written by Kristél Kriel and Geena Holding from MLT Aikins LLP. This monthly column will address general legal questions affecting farmers.
Soon to come is a weekly column on cattle markets written by market analyst Jerry Klassen. This is part of our continuing efforts to improve how we deliver timely and useful market information to you both in print and online. Watch for more details.
There are more changes coming based on what we’ve learned after talking to you about how you use the Western Producer to enhance your lives and farm operations.
What won’t change is our commitment to agricultural journalism. We are united in our purpose to provide every farm family member with the rural, regional, national and international news and insights you have come to count on in the Western Producer for more than 100 years. This year will be no exception.
