The Spineless Will Be Forgotten!

Friday, October 18th, 2013

Rumors, slander and outright lies have been flying around our industry lately. What large genetic operation has had “changes” in their make-up? What A.I. company is about to hit the news? It’s shocking the number of rumors that come across my desk hoping we will fuel the fires that they are afraid to face. Everyone loves to hear gossip (especially about someone else), but few are willing to take a public stand. That is why I commend those that do put their money where their mouth is. There is no question that “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”

Since starting the Bullvine, we have been accused of many things and have had rumors about us run rampant through the dairy industry. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I snap. Sometimes I “rip someone a new one.” (Read more: Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications! and The Weak Never Forgive) One thing is certain. , We have never been afraid to take a stand. Of course that means that we have taken heat for some of our tactics. But you know what? No one can accuse us of ducking for cover and being spineless.

If You Can’t Take the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen

Everyone wants to be everyone’s friend or, at least publically, appear that way. However, when the chips are down and it’s time to be counted, where are they? I find it disappointing that some of the individuals who have the most to say and proclaim their dairy industry wisdom to anyone listening on the sidelines run for the hills when it comes time to support what is right and perhaps take some heat for it.

“As an industry the only way we are going to move forward is by taking bold positions.” Many want to become “legends” but are unwilling to put their butts on the line in order to do so. The truth is that boldness is the very trait that made great industry leaders like Peter Heffering. (Read more: Hanover Hill Holsteins: Peter Heffering 1931-2012) The fact was that they were willing to take the risk and stand up for and act upon what they believed in.

When I first started the Bullvine, I said that within one year we would be the largest digital dairy magazine in the world. The strange thing is that by choosing to take the harder road, that is exactly what happened. I look at some other publications that started over 10 years ago and see that they have become stagnant. Sure they party with the show guys and they kiss the right butts, but obviously that isn’t what it takes to be truly successful in today’s information age. For us, we decided to talk about issues that others fear to address (Read more: Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct, Ethics and Drugs ) We risk trying new things that others won`t even attempt (Read more: Fantasy Exhibitor and Breeder’s Choice Awards). By taking the hard road we have achieved exactly what others can only dream of.

The Higher they Rise the Harder the Fall

They say “The road to the top is easy, it’s the fall that will kill you.” That thought probably scares the crap out of most people. Our road to becoming the largest daily digital dairy readership has not been what you would call smooth, so I can only imagine what the fall could be like. But you know what? Bring it on! “Attitude determines altitude!” That motto has been successful for us so far. It will help us continue to be successful in the future. We are not willing to sit back and rest on our laurels. Instead we always push the envelope. We will always look for new and different ways to bring you insights into the dairy genetics world.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And the only reward is that it’s easy. The other is hard. You must know who you are and what you stand for. You must know where you want to go and why you want to get there. Great dairy industry leaders did this and that is why we remember them. When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is also a choice. Be courageous because “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”