“What lies behind us and what 
lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

I’m on deadline with no time left on the clock as I finally sit down to pen this editorial. It’s not like I haven’t had it on my mind and quite frankly I have written several mental versions. What I’ve really been waiting on is for “the trail to change.” Unfortunately, our current trail is pretty bumpy. If it hasn’t been Mother Nature tightening the curves, it has been our economy cutting some deep ruts, making the trail pretty darn treacherous. The “good news” I’ve kept looking to find is just not surfacing like I had hoped for. The one thing that I reflect on is that this isn’t the first or most likely the last time in my life that I’ll look around and ask, “What the hell?”

My, “what the hell?” is that question of how did we end up here? Yes, I know Mother Nature has her own course and that one I respect, but how did the economy go upside down so fast? Why does it feel like the control tower has been abandoned? I’ve read everything I can get my hands on; The Wall Street Journal, Time, and Forbes. I have only found contradictions and half answers. This is why when we started developing the editorial for this issue, we took on the challenge of bringing you the facts and stories that are going to control our industry in the impending future in a format that would be straightforward and comprehensible.

This year’s “Pacer” section takes a look at the entire set of events that have brought us to the trail we are currently traveling. As I’ve stated many times over, some may not always agree with the complete content of the Pacer articles, but they will always make you contemplate and ponder. I promise you that once you start reading this section, you’re going to find it hard to set down. We didn’t stop there. For more answers we followed it up with a piece called “Hope…and More Hope.” This is a journey of several long time ranchers who offer up a bit of sage advice on how to cope with our current state of affairs. All these great reads offered in this issue brings me to the thought of “true grit.” “True grit” is something everyone must possess in order to stay in this lifestyle. It’s that special ingredient when paired with hope and perseverance that will help us cross the canyon in front of us.

To lighten the atmosphere, don’t miss “Cattle Scope,” “Hooter,” or our photo essay on ranch dogs. To keep your brain engaged and learning we have several pieces on pasture rotation, soil enhancing products, and much more. It is an honor to showcase the Yolo Land & Livestock folks, winners of the 2007 National Environmental Stewardship Award! This is an article you won’t want to miss. Last but not least, this issue contains that all important roster that shouldn’t leave the phone drawer all year, it’s a great way to find superior genetics at your finger tips.

I’m going to continue waiting for the trail to change. While I’m waiting I’m going to find joy in those things that define this lifestyle: the opportunity to work mentally and physically beside my family members, the idea of knowing that every morning I wake up and open my eyes to a day that will hold something new- yes it could be a broken water pump, but it could also be new blossoms, and finally a tomato in the garden. I know the trail will never be boring and that “true grit” can’t be washed away. My thanks to each and every one of our advertisers for hanging in there this year, we want you to know that we’ll always have your back. My thanks to our readership that overwhelmed us this year with subscriptions, making it our biggest year to date. My most appreciative thanks to our superb staff and writers who genuinely define “true grit,” and I thank them for their creative diligence and professionalism at every bend.

What the Hell? Let’s just keep the faith….Happy Trails.