January 28, 2008

In this issue …
New partnership announced at Annual Meeting
2 of 3 commercial awards presented
Don’t miss being part of online directory
Service plan pays dividends
Web site offers latest EPDs
LIMS approaches Feb. 15 deadlines
Bull Listing Service is open for business
LimMark tags earn credit where due
Breeder-coop money offered
Limousin booth headed to NCBA Trade Show
Home office needs its copy
Bottom Line speaks to commercial cattlemen
Junior fee funds programs, services
Posters, signs, cards are effective local advertising
What’s news?
Limousin sales, events

The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) Annual Meeting was Jan. 14 in Denver, Colo. About 100 members and observers participated.

NALF’s Kent Andersen opened a pre-meeting session by sharing highlights from the past year. A full year-end summary is in the 2007 Annual Report, which was distributed at the meeting and is posted in the NALF Web site’s secured, members-only portion.

Andersen’s comments led into a short video about the history of Strauss Veal and Lamb International and its plans to launch a new meadow-raised, Limousin-based veal product. After that, the company’s co-president, Randy Strauss, explained the supply-development efforts his team and NALF developed.

Participants then chose one of three interactive breakout sessions to attend. After the breakouts, NALF President Wendell Geeslin opened the Annual Business Meeting. NALF Secretary Lance Sennett read the minutes of the last Annual Meeting, which were approved. NALF Treasurer Bob Mitchell and NALF’s accountant, Robert Loewen, presented the financial report, which also was approved.

After the new Board of Directors members were seated and the outgoing Board members were recognized, the president of the International Limousin Council offered an invitation to the International Limousin Conference in Italy, May 20–28.

[back to top]

Two of the prestigious Limousin commercial marketing awards were presented during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Limousin and Lim‑Flex® pen and carload shows.

The Commercial Producer of the Year was Frank Farms, Kirk, Colo. The other nominees were Leland and Nancee Richards, Salina, Kan.; Avery and Harrington Ranch, Stotts City, Mo.; Vanisko Ranches, Deer Lodge, Mont.; Steve and Kay Shafer, Beaver City, Neb.; L7 Ranch, Leonard, N.D.; 3-C Ranch, McAlester, Okla.; and Broken Arrow S Ranch, McLaughlin, S.D.

The Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year was Schott Limousin Ranch, McLaughlin, S.D.

The Limousin Promoter of the Year will be announced in conjunction with the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Reno, Nev.

NALF members, start thinking now about your nominations for next year’s awards. Nomination forms are available in the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site or by calling the NALF office. They are due in early December.

[back to top]

It is about time to add or renew listings in the NALF online member directory, which is a great resource for customers seeking Limousin cattle or services in your area. The Limousin Exchange also links to the listings, making it easy for bull and female buyers to obtain your contact information when their online searches find your animals.

Members are listed in the online directory by subscription ($10 per year or $35 per year if you want a hyperlink to your own Web site). Those already included soon will receive invoices for their 2008 listings. NALF must receive payment by May 1. Members who would like their listings removed from the member directory should contact Mary Zilk in the NALF office immediately.

If you do not have an online listing yet, add your enterprise by clicking the directory’s “Register” button, complete the form, and click “Submit.”

[back to top]

The annual member service plan will save money for those likely to register three or more calves this year. If you are not sure if you are current with your fees, call the NALF office. You can pay the annual fee when you submit registrations; simply indicate part of the payment is for member services. Participation provides access to the members-only portion of the NALF Web site (which offers a host of data-submission and animal-information services) and copies of the quarterly Bottom Line newsletter for you and your customers.

While you are checking on your service-plan status, also ask about participating in the voluntary commercial marketing checkoff. In that program, NALF automatically bills a $4 per head fee to participating member accounts when animals are registered. You may change your checkoff-enrollment status at any time.

[back to top]

The new expected progeny differences (EPDs) from the spring 2008 international Limousin genetic evaluation now are available through various features of the NALF Web site. In addition, members can request a whole-herd EPD report from the NALF office free of charge.

The spring 2008 carcass evaluation incorporates several changes to account better for the true genetic differences between Limousin cattle and the Angus and Red Angus animals used to create Lim‑Flex calves. The enhancements are outlined in the winter 2008 Bottom Line newsletter and in the January 2008 “NALF Line” column.

NALF also adjusted the base for the ribeye area (REA) EPD to reflect more appropriately the muscularity of Limousin cattle in the seedstock industry and to enhance the marketability of Limousin and Lim‑Flex calves for that trait. The base change resulted in an average increase of 0.25 square inches for REA, an average decrease of 0.08 units for yield grade (YG) and an average increase of 65¢ for the mainstream terminal index ($MTI).

The spring sire summary – which includes the general sire listing, the proven and young sire trait leaders, and the dam trait leaders – now is available for download in portable document format (PDF) from the Web site’s “Genetic Evaluation” section. The NALF office also can mail a printed or CD-ROM version of the sire summary, either of which is available for $10.

[back to top]

Feb. 15 is the deadline for three important events within the Limousin Inventory Management System (LIMS):

• no-progeny reporting for spring 2007 cows;
• heifer-retention reporting for fall-2006–born females; and
• enrollment of spring 2008 cows.

Tools for accomplishing those tasks are available in the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site. You can access them by logging into the member site then clicking the LIMS button at the top of any page.

LIMS allows NALF members to lower their costs of doing business with their association. At the same time, they can contribute more complete and comprehensive production information that will help better position the breed for future improvements via more accurate EPDs. Members choosing the voluntary, Web-based system pay an annual fee of $15 per active cow and, in turn, are entitled to record, register and transfer the year’s calves.

[back to top]

The Limousin Exchange online marketplace offers both a “Bull Listing Service” and a “Females for Sale” component. NALF directs seedstock buyers to the Limousin Exchange through its advertising and staff members’ personal contacts. Once on the NALF home page, potential customers can search for bulls or females by clicking the appropriate link. They then can identify a variety of criteria to obtain information about the animals that fit their specifications. They can sort the results according to specific traits.

Breeders can add bulls and females to the listings using the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site. Once logged in, click the appropriate link in the “Limousin Exchange” section. Both services are virtually free because NALF credits the $5 listing fees toward the animals’ eventual transfers.

[back to top]

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.

[back to top]

The Breeder Cooperative Advertising Program helps breeders share a cohesive Limousin message across the nation, making the most of their relationships with regional publications. In the program, NALF cost-shares 25 percent of qualifying ad expenses with groups of two to six breeders. Find the program guidelines, application form and qualified ad images in the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site, or contact Brad Parker in the NALF office.

[back to top]

Cattle producers attending the 2008 Cattle Industry Annual Convention, Feb. 6–9 in Reno, Nev., can learn more about the Limousin breed. NALF representatives will be at Booth 873 in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show each day.

The trade show opens Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. with a welcome reception. It then will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 8.

[back to top]

When you register embryo-transfer (ET) calves or submit DNA samples, be sure to separate the form’s three copies. Send one copy to the NALF office and one to the laboratory, and keep a copy for your files. If you forget to send a copy to NALF, it is impossible to match samples, which prevents registration.

[back to top]

There are many reasons to register the bulls you plan to sell and to transfer their registration papers after the sale. Registration documents performance for potential buyers through the EPDs on the registration papers, and that information adds value to seedstock animals. Colorado State University (CSU) research shows registered Limousin and Lim‑Flex bulls bring $437 more than those without the backing of NALF’s performance programs. That is a 25-to-1 return on the average NALF registration fee.

Among the benefits of transferring registrations is the quarterly Bottom Line newsletter, which goes to all commercial producers who have had registered Limousin and Lim‑Flex bulls transferred to them in the last three years. Besides each issue’s current information about the Limousin breed and what it provides to the beef industry, the mailing panel credits you – the seller – for providing the “subscription.”

Note: When transferring animals, be sure to include the buyer’s full name and current, correct and complete address. That information not only guarantees your customers receive the Bottom Line, but it also ensures NALF can process the transfer correctly.

You can promote your genetics further by placing a business-card-sized “Breeder Spotlight” advertisement in the newsletter. For just $350, you can speak four times over the next year to nearly 10,000 commercial cattle producers. Contact Frank Padilla in the NALF office by Feb. 8 to reserve your space.

Also consider giving the Bottom Line to potential customers. Copies of the publication are available by calling the NALF office. If you would like to add certain influencers (such as veterinarians, Extension agents, auction markets and feedyards) to the mailing list, share their contact information with NALF.

[back to top]

The winter issue of NALJA News mailed just after Thanksgiving, along with a notice requesting payment of the 2008 junior activity fee. All revenue generated from the activity fee goes directly to the North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) to help fund its programs, services and events. The $15 fee is due March 15. NALJA members who do not pay by that date will incur an additional $15 late fee ($30 total due).

Submit your activity fee promptly to ensure you can take advantage of all NALJA programs and services in the new year. It also is required for you to enter and participate in the regional and national junior shows next summer.

Juniors, if you did not receive your newsletter and fee notice, contact the NALF office.

[back to top]

Posters featuring the “Fight Fat, Flat & 4s” message are available free of charge from the NALF office. They offer space for your own information and are great to hang at the local auction market and livestock events. To request yours, contact Erica Clark in the NALF office.

A new, more affordable line of farm signs, vehicle magnets, banners and short-term signage is available via the “Promotional Merchandise” section of the NALF Web site. You also can order personalized, full-color business cards. Contact Brad Parker or Mary Zilk in the NALF office to place your customized orders.

[back to top]

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

• Jan. 22 – 112 Limousin, Lim‑Flex Cattle Show on the Hill in Denver
• Jan. 23 – Limousin Will Be Represented at NCBA Trade Show
• Jan. 23 – NWSS Includes 35 Limousin, Lim‑Flex Pens, Carloads
• Jan. 23 – National Limousin Sale Averages Nearly $12,500
• Jan. 23 – Corner Post Package Generates $18,750 for Limousin Juniors
• Jan. 24 – NWSS Lim‑Flex Female Pen Sale Averages $10,000
• Jan. 24 – Utah’s Millerberg to Serve as 2008 NALF President
• Jan. 25 – NALF Presents Medals of Excellence
• Jan. 25 – Limousin Herdsman’s Buckle Goes to Bruce
• Jan. 25 – ‘Genetics on Ice’ Benefits Summer’s Premier Limousin Events

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.

[back to top]

Feb. 1 • Black Hills Stock Show Limousin Show and Sale, Rapid City, SD
Feb. 7 • 16th Annual UGA Focus on EPDs Bull Sale, Athens, GA
Feb. 9 • Washington–Oregon Joint Limousin Sale, Eltopia, WA
Feb. 11 • Dixie National Livestock Show Open Limousin Show, Jackson, MS
Feb. 13 • Iowa Beef Expo Limousin Sale, Des Moines, IA
Feb. 16 • GV Limousin Annual Production Sale, Garnett, KS
Feb. 16 • Illinois State Limousin Ass’n Sale, Congerville, IL
Feb. 17 • R&R Acres Seventh Annual Beefmaker Limousin Bull Sale, High River, AB
Feb. 22 • Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Limousin Sale, Kearney, NE
Feb. 23 • Ratliff’s Cherry Creek Farms Annual Sale, Westphalia, KS
Feb. 25 • Lonely Valley Limousin 17th Annual Production Sale, Creston, NE
Feb. 25 • Coleman’s HC Limousin Annual Bull Sale, Missoula, MT
Feb. 28 • Symens Brothers 28th Annual Limousin Sale, Amherst, SD
Feb. 29 • Wieczorek Limousin 28th Annual Limousin Bull Sale, Corsica, SD
March 1 • Elmwood Limousin 18th Annual Production Sale, Sterling, CO
March 1 • Kentucky Beef Expo Limousin Sale, Louisville, KY
March 6–7 • Express Ranches Bull & Commercial Female Sales, Yukon, OK
March 7 • Tennessee Beef Agribition Limousin Sale, Murfreesboro, TN
March 7 • Richmond Ranch 11th Annual Grass Country Bull Sale, Rumsey, AB
March 8 • Lone Star Shoot-Out & Solid Foundations Limousin Sale, Houston, TX
March 8 • Kervin–Hall–Coyote Hills Ranch Limousin & Lim‑Flex Bull Sale, Chattanooga, OK
March 8 • Top Meadow Farms Western Division Bull Sale, Flintoft, SK
March 8 • Limousin Breeders of the Carolinas Spring Sale, Anderson, SC
March 9 • 18th Annual Wisconsin State Limousin Sale, Sparta, WI
March 9 • Heart of Oklahoma Limousin Ass’n Annual Spring Sale, Shawnee, OK
March 9 • O’Brien Annual Bull Sale, Jane, MO
March 12 • Express Ranches Honor Roll Heifer Sale, Yukon, OK
March 13–14 • Ohio Beef Expo Limousin Show & Sale, Columbus, OH
March 14 • Schott Limousin Ranch 25th Annual Bull Sale, Mobridge, SD
March 15 • Dakota Connection Annual Sale, Bismarck, ND
March 15 • Pinegar Limousin Herdbuilder XIV Sale, Springfield, MO
March 15 • Highland Stock Farms Bull Sale, High River, AB