Happy New Year! I truly hope and pray the best for you and your operation in 2022.

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions this year, nor can I remember a time I have made a serious resolution at the beginning of the year. I do have some thoughts on resolutions, though.

I read a New York Post article that said close to 80% of New Year's resolutions fail and that only about 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. I don't like failing, but more so I don't like not following through with a plan.

If I plan to do something, I think it's best to act on it right away and not push it to a future date, like New Year.

And I get it, many of the resolutions we make are health and lifestyle related. After the holidays is an excellent time to make a health and fitness plan following all the indulgence that took place. Who wants to diet during Christmastime?

But, beyond New Year's resolutions, I have a longstanding goal and promise I made to myself. I have always been an advocate for ag and I have spent most of my working life promoting agriculture.

Our mission here at Farm Press is to deliver timely, reliable information for agriculture - it's on our masthead – fits very nicely into my personal mission as well.

A couple of weeks ago I was at an ag association meeting and the speaker, who was a former co-worker of mine, was discussing a sensitive national issue. At one point he said, "I hope there are no reporters in the room."

The room grew silent and a number of attendees turned to look at me as I was recording and taking notes. There was notable silence which seemed to stretch out longer than necessary.

From behind me I heard someone say over the silence, "He's on our side!" And to my relief, the room broke out in laughter and the speaker continued with his comments.

I truly cannot think of a greater compliment. I want the American farmer to prosper and if we can in any way help someone steer their operation in a positive direction, that is a direction in which I want to continue. That is my resolve.

So, maybe it's not a New Year's resolution, but it is a goal and a continual focus for me and this publication. We want to tell your stories and provide information you need to be affective in how and what you grow on your farm.

And, don't be afraid of sharing those things that make your operation a success with us and others. When the farm community grows together it is much stronger.

Here is to a great 2022. May you prosper and thrive in this farm community.