It seems that we must get earlier and earlier with preparing issues for the journal – which is something authors can struggle to come to grips with. Typically the WPSJ runs about six months ahead in time for all issues and three months ahead in finalising proofs. This means that Dr Shay Hill and I are currently working on editing papers for the September issue, and I am writing this editorial for the June issue, even though it is only the start of April! There are many reasons for this – one is that we have to get the proofs coded and organised for the printers, which is the slowest part of production. Once this is done then the final papers are sent for online publication, which should be ahead of print publishing. As we still offer print publishing for members who specifically request a copy, this will remain the situation for the future. However many authors, who are used to online publishing (which is normally immediate once proofs are completed and sent back) struggle to see why there is a delay in getting papers out. I do hope this clears things up!

I must thank all of you who have written to me volunteering their reviewing services – this is greatly appreciated as, like all journals, we are increasingly facing time delays in getting papers reviewed so we can process them. I like to think we nag in a nice way – but we would be most grateful to anyone who cannot review to let us know as soon as possible, as not replying adds unnecessary delays.

So enough of the practicalities of publishing – and onto what we have coming up for 2014. There are some major conferences this year – including the nutrition meeting in Norway in June that I am planning on attending. Thanks to Birger Svihus and his team for inviting me along. Please do take a look at the regular events column to see what suits you and do attend – it’s important not only for keeping up to date with the latest science but also for maintaining strong networks between people in the poultry world. Regarding conferences – if any organisers need assistance with preparing proceedings or would like their proceedings published via the WPSA office, please let us know. We have standard templates available that you can send out to authors as well as the opportunity, through publishing contacts, to get proceedings printed.

On a sad note, we have obituaries in this issue – and I’m sure you will join with me in sending our condolences to the families of those valued poultry scientists who have passed on recently.

Dr Lucy Waldron

Editor