By Holly Martin
High Plains Journal, a weekly trade publication for farmers and ranchers with roots extending back to 1883, has been purchased by the owners of The Waterways Journal. It will continue to be headquartered in historic Dodge City, Kansas, and will operate under a new entity named High Plains Journal, LLC.
“High Plains Journal, known as the ‘Farmer’s Bible,’ has an incredible reputation, talented staff and a dedication to farmers and ranchers that is unequaled,” Nelson Spencer, Jr., publisher of The Waterways Journal said. “The Waterways Journal serves commerce along the U.S. inland and intracoastal waterways. Agriculture is a major customer of the barge industry, and we are honored to have this new link to an industry that we have always admired,” Spencer said.
Both publications feature paid circulation and weekly delivery. The two companies will both benefit from shared expertise in publishing, event management, digital media and the production of custom solutions.
“High Plains Journal’s commitment to farmers and ranchers and helping them succeed remains our highest priority and is now strengthened by working with another company that has such a long-standing commitment to serving its readers, as well,” Holly Martin, publisher and editor of High Plains Journal, said.
The integrity of the HPJ brand will remain intact, while a few improvements are to be expected. High Plains Journal announced that it has outsourced its printing operations to a Midwest printer. The new printer offers more options for advertisers. New events are being planned, as well as improved digital media offerings. “Our goal is to increase the publication’s value for both the subscriber and the advertiser, while being a strong advocate for the industries and area that it serves,” Spencer said.
“We are very excited about the new opportunities this will bring our High Plains Journal readers and clients,” Martin said.
Paul Hurst, long-time national account rep for High Plains Journal, said he is excited about the partnership. “They really ‘get’ HPJ, being a family-owned company that has the same values that have made HPJ successful.” Zac Stuckey, sales director for HPJ, agreed. “What excites me the most about the change in ownership is HPJ is better positioned to respond and accommodate the needs of our advertising partners while also offering an improved experience for our readers.”
High Plains Journal serves farmers and ranchers in the Interior Plains of the United States from its offices in Dodge City, Kansas. High Plains Journal has a focus on the High and Great Plains regions, while High Plains Journal/Midwest Ag is its regional for the Central Plains and Midwest. Prior to 1949, it was called The Dodge City Journal with a history dating back to 1883. In 1949, the title grew to serve agriculture interests throughout the region. Today, the trade publication has websites, newsletters, events and a robust digital marketing program to serve its 42,000 subscribers.
The Waterways Journal Inc. serves the commercial marine industry with trade magazines, trade shows, directories, websites and related communications. It is a family-owned business operating in St. Louis, Missouri, since 1887. Through its division, Ripple Custom Media, it also produces consumer titles and provides custom publishing services.