by Alison Jones NALF Director of DNA Processing & Accounting Operations
As cattle ranchers , is there really a season better than spring ? Calves are hitting the ground , bull sales are in full swing and it ’ s time to start thinking about syncing , breeding and getting ready to start the process all over again . It ’ s truly satisfying seeing the results of last year ’ s carefully thought-out mating decisions , and how we can assess and utilize those decisions to improve our bottom line .
I had the privilege of attending the Limousin events at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City , South Dakota , this year . It was a great experience getting to travel to such a beautiful part of the country and watch a bull show and sale of such deep quality from top to bottom . Yet another example of what an exciting time it is to be in the Limousin breed . While at Black Hills , I also attended the South Dakota Limousin Association banquet and caught up with breeders . It was an honor to be included in such an event , and I thank each and every one of you for making me feel welcome .
Another reason I enjoyed my South Dakota visit was getting to lay out to our membership one of the most exciting projects I have
been a part of in my 10 years at NALF . As we gear up for spring , we are putting into motion our long-awaited research project through the North American Limousin Research Foundation . With additional revenue generated the last two years , NALF has been able to allocate more funds toward commercial advertising , as well as gift the Research Foundation $ 45,000 .
In order to back up our advertising , our research project will officially be moving forward this May . Starting with two Angus cow herds of approximately 225 head each out of Montana , cows will be broken up and bred into three groups of feeder cattle : Limousin sired , Lim-Flex sired and Angus sired . Approximately 198 steer and heifer calves will be backgrounded and then delivered to South Dakota State University at 600-650 lbs ., where they will enter the grower phase for 85 days , followed by finishing , and finally harvest . continued on page 70
The Value of Registration
Across the country and around the globe , buyers are willing to pay more for registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle . Reputation is important to people looking for quality seedstock and being dedicated enough to register your cattle solidifies your reputation as a professional breeder .
Information Services Animal Registration Ownership Transfer Documented Pedigrees DNA Parentage Verification Performance Data Processing Genetic Evaluation - EPDs for 16 Traits
Most Powerful Multi-Breed Genetic Database in the World
Sire Summary and Trait Leaders Performance Records Dam Summaries Focus Dam Recognition Carcass and Ultrasound Data
Processing Whole Herd Downloads
Online Herd Management
Software DNA Data Processing Hybrid Registry Animal EPD & Sire Selector Web
Search Tools Genetic Improvement Research .... AND MUCH MORE !
Registration papers and accompanying performance records provide breeders and buyers alike with valuable information on the pedigree , performance , and EPDs of an animal . The quickest route to genetic improvement and increased profit is through the EPDs provided with registration . Documented genetics and performance are fundamental tools for making profitable selection , culling , and mating decision in commercial and seedstock operations . Additional information equals added value .
It Pays to Brand with NALF Registration :
• Registered animals are worth more .
• Registration verifies seedstock with reliable pedigree , performance , and EPDs .
• Registration enables comprehensive breed marketing , progressive research , and a variety of member services .
• Registrations are the lifeblood of breed success .
6205 S Main Street , Suite D-280 Aurora , CO 80016-5370 O : 303-220-1693 • F : 303-220-1884 Limousin @ NALF . org • www . NALF . org
68 • APRIL 2022