As I sit down to write the comments for this week’s Western Livestock Journal, it is bittersweet. First, I have the opportunity to reflect on the great Livestock Tour presented by WLJ and recall the great memories from our week in British Columbia. However, at the same time, there is the realization that this will be my last article written in my current capacity at WLJ, as I will be leaving at the end of June. This has me reflecting back on 10 great years serving as a fieldman for this world-class publication. I will be embarking on a new chapter of my professional career with the Livestock Marketing Association as a regional executive officer for the western U.S.
Let’s start off the column with a look back at our 2025 Livestock Tour in “Beautiful British Columbia!” First off, I want to give credit where credit is due. This successful tour would not have been possible without all the planning, handling of logistics and countless hours making sure no detail was overlooked by my wife, Samantha. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Kevin Boon, general manager of the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association. Kevin pointed Samantha and me in the right direction to line up some exceptional tour stops while also taking time to welcome the group at the opening banquet and then join us again at a ranch stop. Another huge thank you goes out to Kirby Brincefield, Charley Maranville, Kevin Murnin and Mackenzie Murnin. Those four individuals provided their talents and pitched in all week to make sure the tour attendees had the best time possible. Finally, thank you to all the tour attendees. Without each of you joining us, showing respect to our hosts and having such a great attitude throughout the week, the magic that is the Livestock Tours would not be possible.
Samantha and I have been looking forward to this tour from the time we started lining up the stops in British Columbia. Our tag line could not have been more fitting as we had perfect weather during our week on the tour and the scenery was truly beautiful. The tour stops were top notch, and we were able to showcase much of the diversity in the province. The ranches and operations we visited were so generous with their time, sharing their experiences and knowledge.
It is hard to explain the Livestock Tour atmosphere to those who have never been on the tour. It is not an over-exaggeration to say that lifelong friendships are formed, and the information garnered can be taken home and implemented to help improve management at home. I promise that you will go places and see things that will not be experienced on any other tour. If you have ever been interested in attending a tour, I would encourage you to reach out to me or Samantha. We will look forward to announcing the 2026 Livestock Tour location and dates in the near future. Stay tuned, and we hope you can join us next year!
As I am nearing the close of this article, I would like to thank everyone who made my time at WLJ a success. First off, thank you to Pete Crow for allowing me to follow in the great footsteps of Jerry Gliko. Thank you to Logan Ipsen for his mentorship and friendship. To all the WLJ staff, thank you for everything over the years. The talented team working day in and day out to provide you with the news and services that has made WLJ what it has been for over 100 years is truly special. Thank you to all the great advertisers that I have worked with over the last decade. It has been an absolute pleasure to help market your livestock, and I value the friendships that we have created. And finally, thank you to all the readers and subscribers of WLJ. It’s because of all of you that WLJ stays a trusted source of news and information that allows the paper to come out each and every week. I am assured that I am leaving my territory in good hands. My younger brother, Kevin Murnin, will be assuming my roles with WLJ. Kevin has been actively involved as a Livestock Marketeer for many years, and I have no doubt he will do a great job for WLJ.
Though I will be serving in a different capacity as I transition to the Livestock Marketing Association, I look forward to continuing to be involved with the industry I truly am passionate about. Please reach out if I can be of assistance, and I hope to see you down the road in my travels, or maybe on the next Livestock Tour. Samantha and I will continue the tradition of the Livestock Tours and look forward to continuing the tours well into the future. — DEVIN MURNIN
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