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APRIL 1999
| North American Limousin Foundation 1999 Board of Directors: (l-r) back row -- Rod Peterson, Pukwana, SD; Ed Slusher, Osage City, KS; Bob Clonch, Fayetteville, OH; Bob Minerich, Richmond, KY; Dean Settje, Creston, NE; Gordon Schuppe, Iliff, CO; and Ray Heldermon, Claremore, OK. Front row -- Hiram Begert, president, Allison, TX; Mark Smith, vice president, Ankeny, IA; Ken Holloway, secretary, Chattanooga, OK; Ron Holland, treasurer, Vassar, KS; Payton Scott, member-at-large, Rising Star, TX; Don O'Brien, ex-officio, Pineville, MO; and Dr. John Edwards, executive vice president, Englewood, CO. (Not pictured: Harley Coleman, Charlo, MT; Leonard Wulf, Morris, MN; and Joe Freund, Elizabeth, CO.)
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NALF Board of Directors
Hiram Begert of Allison, Texas has been elected as the 1999 NALF president. Mark Smith of Ankeny, Iowa will serve as vice president, Ken Holloway of Chattanooga, Oklahoma fulfills the post of secretary, and Ron Holland of Vassar, Kansas is the NALF treasurer for 1999. Payton Scott, Rising Star, Texas is the board member-at-large while immediate past-president Don O'Brien of Pineville, Missouri will continue board service as ex-officio.
New directors elected to the NALF board during the Annual Meeting in January include Dean Settje of Creston, Nebraska and Bob Minerich of Richmond, Kentucky. Re-elected to second three-year board terms were Mark Smith, Ron Holland and Joe Freund of Elizabeth, Colorado.
Leonard Wulf of Morris, Minnesota; Rod Peterson of Pukwana, South Dakota; Gordon Schuppe of Iliff, Colorado; Ed Slusher of Osage City, Kansas; Ray Heldermon of Claremore, Oklahoma; Harley Coleman of Charlo, Montana; and Bob Clonch of Fayetteville, Ohio complete the 1999 NALF Board of Directors.
New Board Member Profiles:
Dean Settje, Lonely Valley Limousin, Creston, NE
Dean Settje is an active partner in Lonely Valley Limousin, a family operation, which includes DeanÍs parents, Stan and Dorothy; brothers, Mike and Mark; and nephew, Chad. Lonely Valley has been breeding Limousin since 1982, originating from an Angus base. Lonely Valley currently runs near 400 cows, selling 100 bulls annually to commercial and seedstock breeders alike. The operation emphasizes servicing commercial cattlemen, and merchandises a number of F 1 and 3/4 blood Limousin x Angus composites. The family also farms corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
In addition to his responsibilities with Lonely Valley, Dean has a business specializing in design for new feedlots, dairy and swine facilities, emphasizing environmental compliance. Previously, Dean had worked seven years for the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association, focusing on regulatory issues, legislative affairs, and producer compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Dean is a board member of the Nebraska Limousin Association, and is a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Dean has previously served on the NALF by-laws and nominating committees.
Dean and his wife, Kristi, have two children, Zach and Hannah.
Bob Minerich, Minerich Land & Cattle Co., Richmond, KY.
Bob Minerich has been in the Limousin business since 1989. The Minerich Land & Cattle Co. program includes 700 registered Limousin females. Bob targets selling bulls to the commercial sector, and has developed a broad commercial clientele through the ownership of a second ranch site located in western Colorado. The Minerich program also includes 200 commercial halfblood cows, and farm 2,000 acres.
Bob currently serves as vice president of the Southeastern Limousin Breeders Association (SELBA), and has previously held the same office for the Kentucky Limousin Breeders Association.
Bob and his wife, Gwen, are the parents of two daughters and two sons.
The 1999 Year Code is J
1999 NALF Advertising Committee
NALF's board of directors has appointed a new advertising committee for 1999. This committee will provide direction and guidance in the development of new NALF advertising campaigns for this year. Payton Scott of Rising Star, Texas will serve as Chairman, assisted by the following committee members:
Dean Settje, Creston, NE; Rod Peterson, Pukwana, SD; Dan Wedman, Yukon, OK; Ron Bader, Monroe, WI; and Dr. Harlan Ritchie of Michigan State University at East Lansing, Michigan.
Commercial Program Awards
Recipients of the second annual Commercial Marketing Program (CMP) awards were honored at the NALF banquet during the National Western Stock Show.
Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year
Terry O'Neill, Tomahawk Land & Cattle of Billings, Montana, was the award winner for 1998, in recognition of his dedicated service to commercial cattlemen and his presence in the commercial industry.
Limousin Commercial Producer of the Year
Nick & Mary Klintworth, Klintworth Limousin of Moorefield, Nebraska received this richly deserved honor for 1998. The Klintworth operation utilizes a Limousin-influenced cowherd in a highly productive, elite commercial cow-calf program.
Limousin Promoter of the Year
John Campbell, General Manager of Winter Livestock Inc. of La Junta, Colorado received this prestigious award for 1998. Winter Livestock ranks among the top five auction markets in the country in terms of annual receipts, and have been staunch supporters and promoters of the Limousin breed to the commercial sector during the past thirty years.
Herd-Vantage Total Inventory Enrollment Update
By now, all active NALF members should have received their billing for the 1999 Herd-Vantage Total Inventory (HTI) enrollment program. Members were billed $5 a head for all active females in their herd over 18 months of age as of January 1, 1999. Please check your invoice over carefully and note any discrepancies on the invoice when you submit your payment to NALF. Payments for the fees are due by March 31, 1999.
Once the HTI invoice has been paid in full, the total amount of the invoice will be extended as a credit on the member's account. This credit can then be applied towards registrations, transfers or other data processing submitted to NALF.
When the program was originally set up, all remaining HTI credits from 1998 and 1999 were to be dropped from the members' accounts on December 31, 1999. This policy has since been revised to keep the HTI credits on accounts until January 1, 2001. This will allow members to make their registration decisions after calves have been weaned.
Long Range Breed Improvement Plan Finalized
Thanks to input from Limousin breeders, NALF's long range plan for breed improvement is now in its final phase of development. The plan was designed to plot breed improvement direction through development of priorities in the areas of selection, research, education and performance program services offered to NALF members.
The planning process started over a year ago with documentation of breed accomplishments since the 1990 directions symposium. Next, the NALF membership and industry leaders were surveyed last Spring to gain membership input as to breed improvement direction. Finally, during the 1999 National Western Stock Show, breeders met during breakout sessions following the annual meeting to listen to business presentations, provide input and prioritize items in the proposed plan for breed improvement.
Following is a bullet point overview of the plan. Watch for more details in upcoming issues of the Limousin World magazine.
Selection Priorities
Docility
Bend the growth curve
Muscle with palatability
Expressed fertility
Optimize milk/teat and udder quality
Research Priorities
Ultrasound for carcass evaluation
Palatability
Calving ease
Fertility
Cow size, fleshing ability and efficiency
Relative economic importance of traits in different situations
Educational Goals
Performance, grouping and pedigree data recording
Interpreting and using EPDs and accuracy
Determining selection objective for different situations
Value based marketing opportunities
Communicate NALF and industry research
Performance Program Service Priorities
Enhance electronic access to NALF herdbook information
Continue genetic evaluation manual
Offer added animal selection and mating services
Add whole herd performance measures and benchmarks to redesigned performance program reports
Expand genetic prediction services for hybrid Limousin animals
NALF Board Adopts Centralized Ultrasound Processing
Limousin has always been known as the "Carcass Breed." Given the beef industries move toward value-based marketing, and NALF's alliances with Laura's Lean Beef and Con-Agra, learning about differences in carcass merit within the breed has never been more important. This is especially the case for commercial bull buyers looking for opportunities to add value to future calf crops.
Since 1994 NALF has published EPDs for carcass traits derived from actual carcass data. While actual carcass data will always be the ultimate test of genetic differences in carcass merit, progeny testing of sires is time consuming, expensive and challenging to accomplish on a large number of sires. Consequently, it would be nice if breeding cattle could be screened for carcass merit prior to entering progeny testing programs.
In recent years, ultrasound technology has evolved into a viable tool for collection of carcass information on live animals. However, the accuracy of scan information depends upon the competency of the technicians gathering the data and in the interpretation of the scanned images. For the purpose of providing NALF members with an accurate system of collecting and disseminating scan information, the NALF board of directors recently approved NALF's participation in a joint effort with Iowa State University to offer "Centralized Image Processing" services to the membership. HereÍs how the system is presently designed to work:
Procedures
Contact Kent Andersen or Kate Kusma at the NALF office to obtain pre-scanning information and a list of certified scanning technicians at least three weeks prior to the desired scan date. Only yearling age animals (bulls and females 330 to 450 days of age) are recommended for scanning, such that yearling adjusted scan measures and ratios can be accurately calculated.
From the provided list of scanners, select and contact a certified technician to schedule a scanning date. Listed technicians are certified to accurately collect fat thickness, ribeye area and percent intramuscular fat (marbling) information. Fees for scanning are set individually by ultrasound technicians, and are approximately $15 per animal plus mileage and setup fees.
Prior to scanning, animals should be on-file at the NALF office. During scanning, animals must be identified by their official tattoo number, which includes the animals herd prefix, number and year letter code. It is recommended that all animals within given yearling contemporary groups be scanned. Bulls should be scanned before being taken off of a gain test. For convenience, breeders may want to schedule scanning for the same date when other yearling data in collected.
Ultrasound images collected by the technician will be sent to the ISU Centralized Processing Center for interpretation. Images will be interpreted and cross-checked by more than one interpreter to insure quality control in image evaluation. Processing time at ISU is expected to require an average of seven (7) working days between the time images are received and the time a summary report is sent to breeders.
In addition to sending a report to the breeder, ISU will electronically send scan information to the NALF office where is will automatically become part of the animals permanent record and contribute to the NALF genetic evaluation program. Once enough data accumulates, experimental EPDs for scan measures will be computed. Presently, scan data will not be included in the calculation of existing EPDs for carcass traits which are calculated from actual carcass data.
NALF-ConAgra Develop Limousin Grid
The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) and the ConAgra Corporation have formed a new Limousin Grid, providing a marketing opportunity for producers desiring to participate in a value-based marketing program.
The new ConAgra grid arrangement offers a rewarding value-based marketing opportunity for Limousin-influenced cattle, specifically the F1 cross calves. The ConAgra Limousin grid complements NALF's exclusive "natural beef" alliance with Laura's Lean Beef Co., which has been advantageous to producers of high percentage Limousin cattle.
The ConAgra Limousin grid is available at the any of the four ConAgra packing plant locations, Greeley, Colorado; Grand Island, Nebraska; Garden City, Kansas; and Dumas, Texas. The base price of the ConAgra Limousin grid is established by the USDA week prior average price, for the area in which the plant is located. The base dressing percent is the four-week moving average for each plant. The Choice-Select spread is based upon the prior week USDA price quote. The Select-Standard spread is a set $10 per cwt. (carcass weight). Yield Grade 1 carcasses receive a $3.00 premium, Yield Grade 2 cattle receive a $1.50 premium. Yield Grade 3 carcasses are discounted $1.00 per cwt. Prime quality grade cattle receive a $6.00 per cwt. premium to Choice quality grade cattle.
In addition to Standard grade cattle, discounts apply for heavyweight carcasses (>950 lbs.); lightweight carcasses (<535 lbs.); dark cutters and Commercial grade cattle.
The ConAgra Limousin grid should provide an excellent value-based marketing opportunity for half-blood Limousin cattle with an Angus or Red Angus genetic background. Fed-cattle that grade 50-60% Choice, 80% Yield Grade 1's or 2's within the 535 lb.-950 lb. weight parameters will perform exceptionally well on this Limousin grid, given the absence of "outlier" cattle. (Cattle grading Standard or dark cutters).
Producers marketing cattle on the Limousin grid can access two different types of carcass data. The standard option of carcass data is fairly general, for a fee of $2.00 per head. The second option for receiving carcass data includes much more specific, detailed information, available for $6.00 per head.
For complete details concerning the ConAgra Limousin Grid, contact Benjie Lemon at the NALF office, 303/220-1693, ext. 107 or at benjie@nalf.org.
NALF Welcomes 1999 Limousin Ambassador
Heidi Bruner of Winfred, South Dakota has been selected as NALF's Limousin Ambassador for 1999. Heidi is completing her sophomore year at South Dakota State University, pursuing a bachelor degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in Agricultural Marketing.
Heidi has played an extensive role in her family's purebred Limousin operation, and credits her active involvement in the North American Junior Limousin Association, the South Dakota Junior Limousin Association and the National FFA Association with contributing to her personal growth and career interests. Heidi is a valuable member of the South Dakota State University Block and Bridle Club, the Economics Club and the varsity intercollegiate Cross Country and Track teams.
As the Limousin Ambassador, Heidi will begin a summer internship at NALF's Englewood, Colorado office in May, and will be heavily involved with orchestrating the 1999 National Junior Limousin Show and Congress in Lawton, Oklahoma. Heidi's Ambassador duties may also include representing the Limousin breed at a variety of beef industry functions through the remainder of the year, such as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Convention, National FFA Convention, Youth Beef Industry Congress and National Western Stock Show.
Medal of Excellence Rule Changes/Updates
The following changes have been made to the Medal of Excellence Program:
Three-quarter (3/4) bloods will be allowed to show at Level II and Level III shows beginning in the 1999-2000 show season.
In addition, beginning in the 1999-2000 show season all 3/4 blood cattle shown must be solid red or black above the flanks.
The Ohio State Fair will replace the Keystone International Livestock Show as a Level II show.
Cattle will no longer be weighed on show day. Weights will be taken at check-in and published in the show program.
The dye rule was removed; however, NALF will utilize a policy stating there would be no artificial coloring of animals subject to the white towel test.
Servicing Your Commercial Customer
NALF's commercial program is designed to develop, identify and provide users of Limousin genetics with opportunities to market cattle as effectively as possible and to help improve the genetic base of the beef industry's cowherds. NALF's goal in designing the commercial program, is simply to maximize the profit potential for users of Limousin genetics.
In order to be successful in obtaining our goal we must inform commercial beef producers of the many opportunities available for Limousin influenced genetics in the marketplace. Keys to accomplishing this goal are, communication and education. Targeted communication is the most efficient method of accurately informing commercial users of Limousin genetics of the various profit maximizing opportunities. How do we conduct targeted communication? NALF provides Limousin commercial program information directly to producers who have recently been transferred the registrations on their bull purchases. Therefore, only those producers who have had bulls transferred to them are made aware of NALF's commercial program services and profit maximizing opportunities.
NALJA Leadership Conference
July 30 through August 1, 1999
The NALJA board of directors recently announced their inaugural national leadership conference for Limousin juniors. The NALJA board will be hosting LIMI (Leaders in Motivating the Industry) on July 30, 31 and August 1 in Stillwater, OK. This year's theme is Shine On! All juniors who are 14 and older by January 1, 1999 are eligible. The conference will be a fun, educational experience without competition. Registration forms will be available in the near future. There is a $50 registration fee.
All registration forms and fees are due by June 1 (postmark date); however, registrations will be accepted through July 31st with a $15 late fee being assessed. Further information will be in the Limousin World and other Limousin publications.
Important Dates and Deadlines for NALJA Members in 1999
| May 15
| Application deadline for National Junior Board of Directors
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| May 15
| Application deadline for Awards of Excellence Program
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| May 15
| Application deadline for Limouselle Scholarships
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| May 15
| Application deadline for Junior Field Day Grant
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| May 15
| Early entry deadline for National Junior Show & Congress
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| May 15
| Entry deadline for Heartland Regional Show
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| June 1
| Entry deadline for Eastern Regional Show
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| June 1
| Ownership deadline for National Junior Show & Congress and Regional Shows
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| June 1
| Late entry deadline for National Junior Show & Congress
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| June 1
| Deadline for registration form & fees for NALJA LIMI -- Shine On Conference
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| July 11-17
| National Junior Limousin Show & Congress, Lawton, OK
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| July 15
| Entry deadline for Western Regional Show
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July 30-
Aug. 1
| Leaders in Motivation the Industry (LIMI) Conference, Stillwater, OK
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| Aug. 1
| Ownership deadlines for NAILE and American Royal Junior Heifer Show
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| Oct. 1
| Ownership deadline for National Western Stock Show Junior Heifer Show
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| Dec. 1
| Application deadline for Ambassador/Internship Program
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**Note: All deadlines are postmarked dates**
Call the NALF office for further information
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