It was a difficult decision, but it had to be made. After 100 years of publishing the Western Livestock Journal and turning 65, I made the decision to sell WLJ. It took me a long time to rationalize this decision, but I’m good with it in my heart and soul. It was a big job to build and maintain the Crow legacy and WLJ. I’m the third generation of the Crow family to publish the weekly newspaper, and there is no fourth generation to carry on.
So, all of the rumors you have heard are true. I sold the business, and National Livestock Group in Oklahoma City, OK, is the new owner. I had several offers, but I wanted to make sure that WLJ would carry on with a responsible steward: someone who understands the cattle industry and our values.
This doesn’t mean that I am going away; I will continue to write my column if I’m relevant. And I expect you all, our devoted subscribers and friends, to tell me if I ever go off the rails. There is no way that I could just walk away from WLJ.
Getting WLJ to 100 years old was one of my major goals, and we accomplished that one. Now, it’s time to hand over the reins and let the young leaders in our business take over. From a technological point of view, I’m not the guy to take WLJ into the digital world—this aspect of our business moves too fast for me.
The good thing is I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to go to cattle industry events and sales. I will continue to be here and consult with the new owners as we go forward and accomplish a new set of goals.
National Livestock was the best suited new owner. I felt they understood the unique character of our business and would keep the brand going well into the future. I was honored they felt WLJ was a brand worth owning, which makes me feel good about our work over the years.
My grandfather started WLJ in the Los Angeles Stock Yards in 1922. The Union Stock Yard and Transit Company bankrolled Gramps to start a market sheet for the meat producers in the West. He was one of the first USDA market reporters in St. Joseph, MO. My dad, Dick Crow, grew up in the business and took it over from Gramps in 1967. Then I grew up in the business and took it over from Dick in 1992. It’s been a life’s work for the Crow tribe.
There will be no drastic changes in content, news coverage or personnel. We’ll still be running things like a family business and maintaining close contact with our readers, whom I consider as friends and family. I’ve been on many of your ranches over the years and hope to continue to make ranch calls because that is what I like the most.
I’m excited for WLJ going forward; National Livestock is a dynamic group that has invested in livestock marketing assets. They own several livestock markets, and they have the resources and skills to attract good people into the industry.
They have a good handle on the digital technology that is engulfing our industry. I’m certain they will bring new products and services into the business to inform readers and help you market your livestock for maximum profit. They are livestock marketers of the best kind. They are good, honest and fair people to work with, which was an important point for me.
We will continue doing our ranch tours—our next one is this May in Kentucky, and we have one room left. This move is a simple shift in ownership; operations will be the same as you’re accustomed to. Service will be better, but I still haven’t tamed the post office. — PETE CROW
