Closing Thoughts

Revelers gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the Winter Solstice this week. We hosted Linda's Family for our annual Christmas gathering yesterday, and the fourth Advent Candle was lit at mass this morning. Modernity can take credit for influencing how we recognize the completion of another trip around the sun, but the significance of this time of year has been understood for millennia. 

Prehistoric observers were aware of seasonal patterns correlating with day length and sun position that predicted weather, flora and fauna life cycles. The shortest days of the year are a fitting choice for announcing the end of the last cycle and start of the next. If occupants of the southern hemisphere had come up with the idea sooner, our year would begin July First. So, in the spirit of saying goodbye to '24, today's theme is the year in review.

Headwinds: High inputs and interest rates coupled with low commodity prices lead to thin margins. Erratic weather led to highly variable yields. Machinery price escalation is hard to rationalize. Employee health insurance costs are approaching insanity. Political leaders lack courage to make necessary changes. Magically thinking voters choose pollyanic promises over thoughtfully informed policies. 

Tailwinds: Appreciative and loyal landowner partners. Conscientious and motivated Team. Concentrated footprint lends itself to timely, efficient field operation. Strategically placed infrastructure will keep us competitive for the foreseeable future. Enterprise diversification levels out volatility. Trust, respect and shared vision among leadership. Our ability to attract talent. 

Pinicon has matured from an expansion-oriented youth into a quality conscious adult. From its inception, I have aspired to see my "offspring” grow up to be a responsible member of the community. It appears we are on the right path.

My parting wish is that you can say adios to ‘24 with gratitude and anticipate ‘25 with optimism. The happy successful people I know seem to be good at this.

Jim