October 12, 2007

In this issue …
Last call: Be a contender in Round 3
Monday is final day to send at-large Board nominations
Italy to host international conference in ’08
‘Master Breeder’ workshop canceled
Performance data, test results among lookup enhancements
Month left to submit information for EPDs
LIMS lowers costs, proves genetics
NALF office has new phone system
Updates, summaries go to ‘by request’ basis
Limousin Exchange helps market feeder calves
Get sky-high ‘brand’ recognition with LimMark
Royal is next week; NAILE, NWSS close behind
MOE contenders must submit documentation
Advocates deserve recognition
NALJA Board schedules fall meeting
Greeting cards display breed pride
What’s news?
Limousin sales, events

There still is room for more cattle in Visions Quest (VQ) Round 3. Contact Bo Sexson or Frank Padilla in the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) office to inquire about enrollment, or find the VQ guidelines and enrollment form in the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site. Cattle must be delivered to Fort Collins, Colo., between Nov. 1 and 15, and NALF will attempt to coordinate transportation.

Giving customers the data they need was one of the marketing directives from the Limousin Visions Symposium. VQ Round 3 is a follow-up to that directive, providing Limousin breeders and users a chance to learn about cattle feeding and carcass merit through actual experience.

VQ Round 3 will run through summer 2008 at the Colorado State University (CSU) Ag Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC) near Fort Collins. Breeders and commercial cattle producers will be able to progeny-test their Limousin and Lim‑Flex® herd bulls for feedyard and carcass performance while developing a better understanding of the beef industry’s current needs.

During VQ Round 3, participants will receive periodic performance updates about the cattle and special learning materials focused on cattle feeding and carcass merit.

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

• 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 Monday, 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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The Italian association of Limousin breeders [Associazione Nazionale Allevatori delle razze bovine Charolais e Limousine (ANACLI)] invites all NALF members to participate in the 18th International Limousin Conference (ILC), May 20–28, 2008. ILC participants will explore some of the most beautiful places in Italy: Rome, Florence, Piacenza and the countryside. The event will allow them to appreciate Limousin breeding in a historic, cultural environment where agriculture and cattle production are important.

ANACLI is proud to host such a unique event so it can demonstrate the quality of Italian Limousin cattle and the professionalism of its breeders. The ILC will be an opportunity to discuss the breed and its growing success around the world with representatives from many nations.

For more conference information and the registration form, visit the ILC Web site. Early registration ends Nov. 30.

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NALF has canceled the “Master Breeder” workshop it was planning in conjunction with the Range Beef Cow Symposium (RBCS) due to insufficient interest.

The association still encourages its members to attend the RBCS, which will be Dec. 11–13 at the Larimer County Fairgrounds outside Fort Collins, Colo. The event includes two and a half days of educational programs, bullpen sessions with the speakers each evening, and a trade show. It regularly attracts about 900 producers and allied-industry representatives.

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The NALF Web site’s expected progeny difference (EPD) and pedigree lookup now includes more details:

• adjusted performance data and ratios;
• complete DNA-test results for color and polled status;
• actual percentage Angus and Red Angus blood when applicable; and
• NALF EPDs for the Angus and Red Angus animals in its herdbook.

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Now is the time to gather critical weaning information, which provides the foundation for weaning-weight, milk and docility EPDs. Producers should determine optimal dates for weighing calves so the greatest number are within 160 to 250 days of age for calculating adjusted weights and EPDs.

The deadline to submit data for the next international Limousin genetic evaluation is Nov. 15. Without breeders’ submissions, the new “Performance” section of an animal’s pedigree page will display many blanks and “N/As,” which detract from marketing efforts. The deadline also is important for producers of Lim‑Flex progeny from Angus or Red Angus parents that are not in the NALF herdbook yet. Without the data, their EPDs will not be available for winter show programs or spring marketing materials.

Birth, weaning and yearling performance data are necessary for reliable EPDs, and breeders’ data are the raw material from which NALF computes genetic predictions. Members with carcass or ultrasound data for groups of pedigreed Limousin or Limousin-influenced cattle are encouraged to submit them, too. The breed’s competitive advantages, genetic improvement and ability to meet commercial customers’ needs all depend on breeders’ data collection and submission.

To facilitate reporting, preprinted forms are available free of charge by calling the NALF office. Active members also can use the online recording tools. When you use online recording, do not enter and submit one animal at a time. Keep contemporary groups intact by submitting registrations after entering all of the animals.

Before requesting preprinted cow-inventory birth-report forms or using the online animal-recording tool, it is best if members 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.

New EPDs will be available around Jan. 1, 2008. NALF will post the spring sire summary in the “Genetic Evaluation ” section of its Web site soon after.

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The voluntary Limousin Inventory Management System (LIMS) helps NALF members lower their costs of doing business with their association. LIMS participants pay an annual fee of $15 per active cow and, in turn, are entitled to record performance for, register and transfer that year’s calf crop. That compares to the least costly registration ($15 for 0–120 days from birth) and transfer ($12 for 0–60 days from sale) of $27 per animal.

Meanwhile, LIMS herds contribute more complete and comprehensive production information that leads to inventory-proven genetics backed by more accurate EPDs.

To enroll in LIMS, access the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site. Once you log in, click the LIMS button at the top of any page. From there, you can link memberships and join LIMS. Breeders must enroll spring-calving cows by Feb. 15 and fall-calving cows by July 15 each year.

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The NALF office has a new telephone system, which offers several helpful directory features that help guide callers to the correct information or staff member. The improved voice-mail system is much more reliable than the old one so do not hesitate to enter anyone’s extension and leave a message.

A list of staff members’ telephone extensions is in the “Contact NALF” section of the association’s Web site.

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With nearly 40 percent of NALF paperwork now submitted electronically and with the increased costs associated with forms, printing and postage, NALF has discontinued automatic printing and distribution of weaning update, yearling update and yearling summary reports with returned paperwork. Those documents still are available by request, free of charge, from the NALF office.

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As the fall feeder-cattle–marketing season gains momentum, 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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The Limousin shows at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., will be Thursday, 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.

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. Entries for the NWSS are due Nov. 15.

Make sure your entries meet each show’s requirements.

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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.

Send all data and direct all MOE questions to Lorrie Taylor in the NALF office.

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Be sure to nominate extraordinary Limousin supporters for the NALF Commercial Program Awards by Dec. 5. Each year, NALF honors a Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year, a Commercial Producer of the Year and a Limousin Promoter of the Year during the NWSS pen and carload shows. Download a nomination form for each of the prestigious awards from the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site, or request a copy from the NALF office.

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The North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) Board of Directors will meet Nov. 3–4 in Oklahoma City, Okla. If you have input for the Board, share it with NALJA President Cori Harrison.

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Show your Limousin colors to family, friends, colleagues and customers this holiday season. Visit the Boelte-Hall Web site to order Limousin greeting cards. Several cover designs and inside greetings are available. Boxes of 20 cards cost $20. Personalizing cards is an additional $10 per message per card style. A portion of the proceeds from each order will benefit NALJA.

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

• Oct. 3 – 13,000 Limousin Cows Now on Whole-Herd Reporting

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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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 Limousin State Sale, Sedalia, MO
Oct. 13 • The Source Sale II, Stanford, KY
Oct. 14 • Seedstock Bonanza IV Sale, Marietta, OK
Oct. 17 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Pierre, SD
Oct. 18 • American Royal Open and Junior Limousin Shows, Kansas City, MO
Oct. 18 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Centennial Livestock, Fort Collins, CO
Oct. 20 • TLA’s Heart of Texas Fall Sale, West, TX
Oct. 20 • Eastern Regional Sale, Abingdon, VA
Oct. 20 • Minnesota Beef Expo, Saint Paul, MN
Oct. 21 • Heart of Missouri Limousin Sale, Lebanon, MO
Oct. 22 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Faith Livestock Commission, Faith, SD
Oct. 24 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Pierre, SD
Oct. 25 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Napoleon Livestock Auction, Napoleon, ND
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
Nov. 1 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Missoula Livestock Exchange, Missoula, MT
Nov. 2 • Canadian National Limousin Sale, Brandon, MB
Nov. 3 • Express Ranches Fast Forward XV Sale, Yukon, OK
Nov. 3 • Canadian National Limousin Show, Brandon, MB
Nov. 4 • Heritage In The Homeland Sale, Seminole, OK
Nov. 5 • Special Limousin-Influenced Feeder-Calf Sale, Winter Livestock, La Junta, CO
Nov. 7 • Express Ranches Customer Appreciation Sale, Apache, OK
Nov. 7 • Farmfair International Limousin Pen Show, Edmondton, AB
Nov. 8 • Farmfair International Limousin Bonanza Gold Show, Edmondton, AB
Nov. 9 • Express Ranches Feeder Calf Sale, Apache, OK
Nov. 9 • Deer Valley Farm Angus Production Sale, Fayetteville, TN
Nov. 10 • Deer Valley Farm Fall Limousin & Angus Bull Sale, Fayetteville, TN
Nov. 11 • North American International Livestock Expo Junior Limousin Show, Louisville, KY
Nov. 13 • The Sale – Louisville, Louisville, KY
Nov. 14 • North American International Livestock Expo Open Limousin Show, Louisville, KY
Nov. 22 • Canadian Western Agribition Open Limousin Show, Regina, SK
Nov. 23 • Canadian Western Agribition Limousin Sale, Regina, SK
Nov. 24 • Bosch Limousin Private Treaty Sale, Indianola, IA
Nov. 25 • Polled Positive Limousin Sale, Strafford, MO
Nov. 28 • Schuppe Farms Red Angus Cow Herd Dispersion, Sterling, CO