Calf News is the "Magazine for Cattle Feeders". Since 1964 Calf News has followed the industry with dedication, respect and humor, putting a face to the people who make the industry such a success.
We bring our readers industry news in a creative and original way. Each issue includes include in-depth stories on current events and cattlemen, along with columns from organizational manager Jim Whitt, humorist Baxter Black and other regular columnists.
Meet the Faces of Calf News
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Betty Jo Gigot, editor and publisher, was associate editor for CALF News magazine for 15 years before taking over the reigns in 2004. Born in New Mexico and raised on the western slope of Colorado, Gigot became involved in the cattle feeding industry learning the computer end of the business. In 1980 she founded her own computer company writing and installing programs in feedyards across Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas. After selling the company, she worked as a management consultant for Dinklage, Inc., in Sidney, Ne., before moving to Greeley, Co., as part of the management team for Lextron, developing the computerized system used for animal health in feedyards. In 1989, she went to work for CALF News Magazine traveling the country, writing stories and photographing the feedyard industry. Gigot also traveled to Mexico, France, and Germany writing stories and was a featured speaker at three national conventions for the Australian Lotfeeders Association. Gigot is also heard weekly on her radio show, The Gypsy Wagon on a Garden City, Ks. radio station. Married to Dean Gigot of Circle Land and Cattle, the couple has a combined 7 children and 12 grandchildren. |
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Patti Wilson, sales manager and associate editor, working from a cow / calf and yearling operation in central Nebraska, Patti and husband Richard have been partners in the cattle business for over three decades. Patti grew up on an eastern Nebraska farm and cattle feeding operation. She graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree an animal science and worked at a Nebraska livestock auction market for 23 years as a field representative. She joined the staff of Nebraska Cattlemen Magazine in 2001, transitioning to CALF News in 2003. She most enjoys her flock of Hampshire ewes. Patti and Richard have two grown daughters, both engaged in production agriculture. |
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Kathie Bedolli, art director, has been designing CALF News for 10 years. Kathie’s keen eye for design, color and form, coupled with a logical mind is what brings form to function, She has developed advertising campaigns as well as marketing materials for a number of companies in the livestock industry as well as art direction and design work for association periodicals. Although she does not have a farm or ranch background, she has come to understand the industry and appreciate the people in it. |
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Leslie McKibbon, ad coordinator and accounting representative has more than 15 years of operations management experience and is highly trained in accounting and customer service protocol development and management. Leslie studied Business Management at the University of Wisconsin. |
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Larisa Willrett, copy editor and circulation manager, has worked for CALF News for more than eight years. Willrett lives in Malta, Ill., where she and her husband are partners in J. Willrett Farms, LLP, a feedyard and diversified farming operation; WM Cattle, LLP, a commercial cow-calf enterprise; and Beef Performance Technology, LLP, a feedlot ultrasound business. Originally from Montana, Willrett graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master of agriculture in beef industry leadership. She has worked for the National Cattlemen’s Association and University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. Larisa and her husband, Jamie, have three children, ages 8, 5 and 2. |