Happy New Year!

While it’s hard to believe that 2007 is coming to an end and 2008 is about to begin, the staff at Spudman has been eagerly and anxiously awaiting this issue for quite some time. You see, for the staff at Spudman, the new year brings more than confetti and soon-to-be-forgotten resolutions. 2008 also is ushering in a new era for Spudman. By now you’ve noticed that we have an entirely new look both outside and in and we’re proud to unveil it in this first issue of 2008.

The new year is always a time to reflect on that past and look to the future. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing for many months. This redesign has been in the works for a long time, and we’ve worked hard to ensure that this magazine you’ve come to trust will continue to be your No. 1 source for potato-industry news. We’re just going to present it in a friendlier, easier-to-use format that we hope you like.

The process started early in 2007 when we asked you, the readers, to tell us what you like and what you don’t about Spudman. After all, this magazine isn’t about what the designers think looks pretty or what the editors think sounds interesting. For 46 years, this magazine has been about you, our readers, and it will remain so even as we enter into this new and exciting phase in the life of the magazine.

In the readership survey, you told us you like Spudman but wish it were a little easier to read and had a bit of an updated look. We’ve addressed this by upping the font size, adding more graphics and info boxes and making the table of contents easier to use. We’ve also brought in some more modern colors and design elements. We know these will make the magazine more interesting to read and more fun to look at. Our editorially focus will continue to be about helping you, the potato industry, survive -– and thrive in this ever-changing business.

In closing, we are eager to hear what you think of our new look. Please send any comments, thoughts or feedback you have to Kimberly Warren at editor@spudman.com.

P.S. The new year also is bringing a new, digital Spudman. eSpudman is a monthly newsletter that includes original articles, columns and information that you won’t find in Spudman. Please sign up for this new and valuable resource at www.spudman.com.