Company News

High Plains Journal And The Waterways Journal Unite Under Common Ownership

High Plains Journal (HPJ), a weekly trade publication for farmers and ranchers with roots extending as far back as 1883, has been purchased by the owners of The Waterways Journal. HPJ will continue to be headquartered in historic Dodge City, Kan., 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,” said Nelson Spencer Jr., publisher of The Waterways Journal. “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 has depended on cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly barges for decades.”

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,” said Holly Martin, publisher and editor of High Plains Journal.

Sign up for Waterway Journal's weekly newsletter.Our weekly newsletter delivers the latest inland marine news straight to your inbox including breaking news, our exclusive columns and much more.

The integrity of the HPJ brand will remain intact, while a few improvements are to be expected.  High Plains Journal has announced that it is outsourcing its printing operations to a Midwest printer.  The new printer will offer 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,” said Spencer.

“We are very excited about the new opportunities this will bring our High Plains Journal readers and clients,” said Martin.

High Plains Journal serves farmers and ranchers in the Interior Plains of the United States from its historic offices in Dodge City, Kan.  High Plains Journal has a focus on the High and Great Plains regions, while High Plains Journal/Midwest Ag is its regional edition 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 more than 40,000 subscribers and numerous websites, newsletters, events and a robust digital marketing program to serve its audience.