September 12, 2007

In this issue …
Fees for ‘additional’ services change
Nominating Committee releases slate of candidates
VQ 3 is next webcast’s topic
NALF staff members welcome state invitations
Feeder Calf Classifieds open for fall run
LimMark tags gain credit where credit is due
Current inventories make recording easier
Password security more important than ever
A few ultrasound reminders
Coop coordinators invited to conference call
MOE data due Dec. 1
Plan to attend Annual Meeting, National Sale
Corner Post package will include free registrations
Students should apply for industry scholarships
What’s news?
Limousin sales, events

Due to escalating business costs and the effort to balance the 2007–2008 budget, the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) Board of Directors approved several fee increases for miscellaneous association services, effective Sept. 1.

• Sale downloads for catalog production went from $1 to $2 per animal.
• Duplicate certificates went from $5 to $10. Members can request duplicate certificates with a valid animal identification by mail, fax or e‑mail.
• Processing other breeds’ pedigrees and unrecorded cows now costs $10 per head.
• Rushed paperwork now costs $25 per head.

In addition, NALF has created a “show certificate service” through which members can request immediately faxed copies of registration certificates. NALF will accommodate those requests for $10 per copy to offset the cost of reprinting registration papers solely for faxing them to show offices.

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The Nominating Committee has slated its candidates for the NALF Board.

• Lance Sennett, Waynetown, Ind. (second term)
• Jerry Wulf, Morris, Minn. (second term)
• Mike Hall, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
• Brian Skaggs, Lexington, Okla.
• Tom Vaughn, Cavalier, N.D.

NALF members can send at-large nominations to the NALF office until Oct. 15. For at-large nominees to qualify, signed letters of support from at least 15 different founding, lifetime or active annual members are required. (An example form letter is available in the “Limousin Library” section of the NALF Web site.) Identification of all nominees by Oct. 15 will enable NALF to publicize their candidacies and include their names on the official ballot.

To make voting easier and more inclusive, those unable to attend the Annual Meeting in Denver, Colo, Jan. 14, 2008, may write the NALF office to request absentee ballots until Dec. 1. The office will not issue any after that date. Once members complete and sign their absentee ballots, they will mail them to NALF’s official accountant.

The changes to the nominations and voting processes replace the former system of nominations from the floor and proxy votes. The Board members invite ongoing input as they evaluate the changes’ effectiveness throughout the upcoming election cycle.

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NALF will conduct another information-packed producer-outreach webcast at 7 p.m. MDT Sept. 18. The topic will be “Visions Quest (VQ) Round 3 Preview,” and it will be an interactive discussion about NALF’s cattle-feeding and carcass-discovery project with Colorado State University (CSU). Critical Insights is sponsoring the event.

To participate, you must register with DVAuction.com beforehand. When it is time for the webcast, return to the DVAuction home page and click the “View” button next to “North American Limousin Foundation” under “Today’s Events.” Or use the “Producer-Outreach Webcasts” link on the NALF home page.

The webcast is open to all registered DVAuction users. NALF membership is not required for participation so invite your friends, family, neighbors and customers to log in.

Some pen space in VQ 3 remains. Anyone interested in delivering cattle between Nov. 1 and 15 to the CSU research feedyard near Fort Collins should contact Bo Sexson in the NALF office. The VQ guidelines are available from the office or the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site.

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NALF staff members appreciate the opportunity to participate in state events where representation from the home office would be helpful, and they would be more than happy to conduct workshops about any NALF programs and services. Contact Frank Padilla in the NALF office to get your state event on the staff calendar.

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As the fall feeder-cattle–marketing season approaches, Limousin breeders and their bull customers should work together to market Limousin-influenced calves through the Limousin Exchange. Go to the NALF home page, click the Feeder Calf Classifieds link, then follow the directions to list calves for sale. Whether consigning to an auction market or video auction or selling by private treaty, the online classifieds are a free, easy way to help make sure every bidder possible competes for those high-quality, Limousin-influenced calves.

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One of the lessons from the Limousin Visions Symposium was to build the breed’s brand equity. Part of that is getting Limousin-influenced animals recognized when they perform well in commercial settings. To that end, NALF has teamed with Allflex USA to provide a simple, flexible marketing program for Limousin-influenced feeder calves and replacement females.

The LimMark tagging program aids Limousin customers in identifying their cattle and positioning themselves for greater returns by coupling reputable genetics with documented information. Guidelines and the enrollment form are available in the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site or by contacting Bo Sexson in the NALF office.

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Before requesting preprinted cow-inventory birth-report forms or using the online animal-recording tool, members should update their active-cow inventories. Keeping inventories up-to-date contributes valuable culling information to the NALF herdbook and minimizes the number of unwanted animals in search results. Update inventories using the online tool or the multiple-application form, then return culled animals’ registration certificates to the NALF office.

When you use online recording, it is better to submit registrations after entering all animals rather than entering one animal at a time. That will help keep contemporary groups intact.

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If you activated your secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site more than a year ago, it is a good idea to change your password now, especially if you have shared your old one with someone else. Now that online animal transfers are possible, changing your password every 12 months or so is even more important in protecting against hackers.

The best passwords are a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that appear to be a random string of characters. Visit the Microsoft Web site to check your password strength.

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Order your barnsheets from the NALF office at least two weeks before your scanning session. A barnsheet is a preprinted form, provided free of charge, that lists all of the animals you intend to scan. It gives identification (ID) information for each animal and has blank spaces to record weight and management data chuteside. The ultrasound laboratories require barn sheets to process scan data so failure to obtain one before your scanning session can result in processing delays.

Keep the following things in mind, too.

• Thoroughly check the ultrasound summary report you receive from NALF. Occasionally, the ultrasound laboratories will return results to NALF with incorrect animal IDs or missing scan data.
• The acceptable age range for scanning is 300 to 450 days.
• NALF cannot provide adjustments, ratios and expected progeny differences (EPDs) for animals that are not in the NALF herdbook (either registered or recorded for performance only).
• NALF cannot provide adjustments and ratios for animals with missing weaning dates and weights because the calculation process uses that information.
• For NALF to use an animal’s ultrasound data in the computation of its carcass EPDs, the animal must be in a contemporary group with at least one other animal. NALF forms ultrasound contemporary groups using an animal’s yearling contemporary group (or weaning contemporary group if yearling information has not been recorded), plus scan-lot date and scan-management code.

For additional information regarding ultrasound, refer to the Guide to Ultrasound.

To request barnsheets, call the NALF office.

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To get the new marketing year off to a good start, NALF will conduct a conference call for state-coop coordinators to review the program guidelines and procedures. They should call in at 6 p.m. MDT, Monday, Sept. 24. The call will be a great opportunity for asking questions and sharing ideas among state leaders and NALF staff members. Each state’s award letter included the call-in instructions. State coordinators who have misplaced that information should contact Brad Parker or Lorrie Taylor in the NALF office.

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As the last of this year’s Medal of Excellence (MOE) shows approach, NALF reminds exhibitors of the following paragraph from the program rules:

All performance data must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2007. Failure to have documentation on file at NALF by that date will result in disqualification from the MOE program, and no points will be awarded. It is the responsibility of the breeder or owner to submit that information; NALF will not send any communication to the breeder or owner requesting submission of the data.

Bulls older than 400 days on the show date must have a positive breeding soundness exam and semen test. Females in the senior yearling and winter yearling classes after Sept. 1 must show with calves at side or have proof of pregnancy from a licensed, nonowner veterinarian. If calves need to be registered, record them with NALF well in advance in case there are any processing delays. Online recording and automatic credit-card payments can expedite the process.

The Limousin shows at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., will be Oct. 18. Jerry Adamson of Cody, Neb., will sort the junior entries; and Randy Daniel of Colbert, Ga., will judge the open show.

The junior show at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky., will be Nov. 11. The open show will be Nov. 14, and Terry Burks of Bowling Green, Ky., will be the judge. NAILE entries are due Oct. 1.

The Limousin sale-cattle parade at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) starts at 3 p.m. Jan. 13, 2008. The junior show begins at 2 p.m. the next day, and the Limousin sale follows at 6 p.m. The Limousin open show starts at 8 a.m. Jan. 15. The pen and carload shows are the day after that, beginning at 8 a.m., with the Lim‑Flex® female-pen sale to follow. Most entries for the NWSS are due Nov. 15.

Make sure your animals meet each show’s requirements. Send all data and direct all MOE questions to Lorrie Taylor in the NALF office.

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The Doubletree Hotel Denver at 3203 Quebec St. will be the Limousin breed’s headquarters during the NWSS and for the NALF Annual Meeting (9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 14, 2008). Single, double, triple and quad rooms are available for $79 per night if you mention the “North American Limousin Foundation” when you make your reservations. Call (303) 321-3333 or 1‑800-222-TREE. Book ahead to ensure a room near the breed’s main events.

At its April meeting, the NALF Board appointed American Cattle Services, KK Seedstock Consultants and R&R Marketing Co. as the National Limousin Sale management team. Call Ken Holloway, (580) 597-3006; Keith Kissee, (804) 353-2220; or Randy Ratliff, (615) 791-8982, to consign cattle. All cattle in the national sale must be parent-verified and proto-tested before Dec. 1; and all embryo-transfer (ET) calves must be registered, which requires completed parent verification, by Dec. 1. Because MMI Genomics, the DNA-typing laboratory, operates on a limited holiday schedule, it is critical that members submit samples before Nov. 15 to meet the show and sale requirements.

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The NALF Board agreed to give free registrations to all of the natural calves born to the Corner Post Genetics Package female, which Counsil Family Limousin is donating to sell at the 2008 NWSS. CFLX Cheerleader 001T is a Jan. 10, 2007, daughter of Carrousels Peak Power out of Logan’s Cheerleader 280G, the dam of multitrait leader JCL Lodestar 27L.

The North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) still is securing other items and services for the package. Prospective donors should contact Bret Begert, director of junior activities.

Once it reaches a suitable principal, the Corner Post Fund will facilitate additional activities and scholarships for Limousin juniors.

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The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and the CME Group are accepting applications for the 2008 Beef Industry Scholarship Program. All entries must bear a postmark no later than Oct. 5.

Ten young people pursuing careers in the beef industry each will receive $1,500 scholarships. The program encourages talented and thoughtful students who have demonstrated a commitment to the beef industry – either through classes, internships or life experience. Graduating high-school seniors or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at a two- or four-year college for the 2008–2009 academic year may apply.

Each application must include a 750-word essay that identifies a key issue confronting the beef industry and suggests a solution. Each applicant also must submit a letter expressing future career goals and two letters of recommendation. A full description of the scholarship program and application requirements are on the NCF Web site, or call (303) 850-3345.

In addition to a scholarship, the first-place winner will receive airfare and lodging to attend the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nev., Feb. 6–9, 2008.

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NALF has issued the following news release since the last issue of Partners:

• Sept. 7 – NALF Concludes Visions Quest Round 2

Limousin news releases are archived in the Web site’s “What’s New” section. NALF encourages its members to share them with their local news outlets.

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Sept. 15 • O’Brien Farms Quarter Horse Dispersal, Pineville, MO
Sept. 15 • Deatsman Farm–Sennett Cattle Co. Third Private Treaty Sale, Leesburg, IN
Sept. 15 • Arkansas Limousin Organization Limousin Fall Select Sale, Ozark, AR
Sept. 16 • Jones–Benson Farms Annual Sale, La Monte, MO
Sept. 18 • NALF Webcast: Visions Quest Round 3 Preview (sponsored by Critical Insights)
Sept. 19 • Potterosa Limousin Mature Cow Herd Dispersion, Redwood Falls, MN
Sept. 22 • Wies Limousin Ranch Maternal Magic Production Sale, Columbia, MO
Sept. 22 • Limousin Breeders of the Carolinas Fall Sale, Anderson, SC
Sept. 23 • Heart of Oklahoma Seedstock and Production Sale, Shawnee, OK
Sept. 25 • Coleman’s HC Ranch Spring Cow Herd Dispersion, Missoula, MT
Sept. 25 • NALF Webcast: DNA, Data Collection and Online Recording (members only; sponsored by MMI Genomics)
Sept. 29 • Vorthmann Limousin Focus On Family Values V Sale, Treynor, IA
Sept. 29 • Deer Valley Farm Fall Production Sale, Fayetteville, TN
Sept. 29 • Tulsa State Fair Open Limousin Show, Tulsa, OK
Sept. 29 • World Beef Expo Open Limousin Show, West Allis, WI
Oct. 1 • Express Ranches Rancher’s Bull Sale and Commercial Female Sale, Yukon, OK
Oct. 2 • NALF Webcast: Breed Improvement (members only; sponsored by Limousin World)
Oct. 6 • Tubmill Creek Farms The Crossing Sale, New Florence, PA
Oct. 6 • Quail Ridge–Jepson Limousin Joint Production Sale, Bowling Green, KY
Oct. 6 • Second SEE Performance Genetics and Feeds Genetic Improvement Sale, Clinton, NC
Oct. 6 • Keystone International Livestock Expo Open Limousin Show, Harrisburg, PA
Oct. 7 • Kentucky Limousin Breeders Ass’n Fall Sale, Richmond, KY
Oct. 7 • Tulsa State Fair Junior Limousin Show, Tulsa, OK
Oct. 9 • NALF Webcast: Nutrition
Oct. 13 • Olson–Dietz Limousin Annual Club Calf Sale, Russell, KS
Oct. 13 • Pride of the Pasture II Female Sale, Omemee, ON
Oct. 13 • Missouri State Sale, Sedalia, MO
Oct. 13 • The Source Sale II, Stanford, KY
Oct. 14 • Seedstock Bonanza Sale, Marietta, OK
Oct. 17 • The Royal Limousin Sale, Kansas City, MO
Oct. 18 • American Royal Open and Junior Limousin Shows, Kansas City, MO
Oct. 20 • TLA’s Heart of Texas Fall Sale, West, TX
Oct. 20 • Woodbrook Limousin Farms Eastern Regional Sale, Abingdon, VA
Oct. 20 • Minnesota Beef Expo, Saint Paul, MN
Oct. 21 • Heart of Missouri Limousin Sale, Lebanon, MO
Oct. 26–29 • North American Beef Congress, London, ON
Oct. 27 • The Harvest Sale, Boonsboro, MD
Oct. 27 • North American Beef Congress Limousin Sale, London, ON
Oct. 28 • Magness Land and Cattle Southern Division Mature Cow Herd Dispersion, Miami, OK