Uncharted waters. When you think of the ships that traversed the globe over 500 years ago, I think of Christopher Columbus. History tells us that in 1492, he made landfall in the Americas. Imagine leaving from Spain on a westerly course—something no one had successfully attempted before. The journey, sponsored by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II, was to seek a western sea passage to the East Indies. These expeditions led to the discovery of two continents, the transfer of plants, animals, precious metals, cultures, technologies and ideas.

Now, as we embark on a new year, we are also in uncharted waters when it comes to our cattle industry. Who would have believed you if you had prophesied even a year ago that we would be seeing $5.00 calves going into 2026?

I spoke to a long-time customer earlier who commented that if we as producers can’t find reasons to be optimistic about the future of our industry now, then we are looking in the wrong places.

And speaking of optimism, we are looking forward to hosting the 35^th Annual San Antonio All Breeds Bull & Commercial Female Pen Show & Sale coming up on Feb.17-18 at the San Antonio Stock Show. We will sell between 400-500 head of quality females in pens of five and between 40-50 top range bulls and herd sire prospects.

Our next issue, Feb. 6, will be our annual San Antonio Stock Show issue. We hope you will stay tuned and enjoy it.