Some 14 members of the American Farriers Journal staff recently spent 2 days away from the office planning the coming year and looking at ways to better serve our readers in 2015. These strategies meetings are a yearly occurrence for the AFJ staff.

While we don’t do it every year, visiting a farrier industry supplier serves as a great educational tool for the entire AFJ staff. Two years ago, we visited with Steve Hoselton at Anvil Brand in Lexington, Ill., and followed up this year with a visit with the Peterson family at Nordic Forge in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Jim and Erikk Peterson gave the AFJ staff a tour of the family’s manufacturing operation, which provided our staff with a much greater appreciation for what’s involved in the production of farrier tools and horseshoes. Offering fresh insights on the farrier business, the father-and-son team shared details on the importance of farrier feedback in managing their business and guiding product direction. Check out a 3-minute video at americanfarriers.com/nordicforge featuring Erikk Peterson discussing Nordic’s product line, why the International Hoof-Care Summit is essential to their family business and the importance of listening to the wants and needs of farriers.

OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS...

• Jaime Elftman has been named Assistant Editor of American Farriers Journal following a recent internship with the company. In this role, she will be producing both print and digital hoof-care information for farriers and equine veterinarians.
• Zoetis has signed on as the sixth Educational Partner for the 2015 International Hoof-Care Summit…