AROUND THE INDUSTY
by Kiley McKinna
Prisoner of the Moment—Life and Cows
W
elcome to the Limousin365 annual Herd Sire Edition.
As you page through this issue, you’ll find some of the
breed’s finest and most mainstream relevant herd sires showcased in
accompaniment with multiple feature stories and industry news.
As I write this column, we are amid a declared global health
pandemic, Coronavirus. The resulting and lasting impacts are yet to
bear out fully, but what has ensued is nothing short of predictable
and remarkable in the same breathe—a very ‘prisoner of the moment’
societal narrative. As we witness global markets tumble, an already
highly sensationalized news media cycle is working overtime, social
media influencers are out in full force and behavioral changes amongst
our population are being made virtually as the wind blows.
That said, you might be wondering what all this has to do with
cows’? Unquestionably, it effects our commodity prices, but the angle
of this column is a cautionary tale to NOT be a ‘prisoner of the
moment’. Whether it’s Coronavirus, cattle industry calls, breeding
decisions or consignment/production sales, the bottom line is we
live in an ever-changing world where information is perpetuated at a
faster rate than ever before.
With that in mind, all we can control is what we can control—
sounds simple right? We are all guilty at times of falling into the latest
and greatest trend or being highly reactive to a sale result whether
it’s practical or not—it’s just plain human nature and that’s OK. The
same can be said for breeding decisions.
In effort not to be a prisoner of the moment, and in the spirit of the
2020 Herd Sire Edition, I’d like to encourage you to truly study your
hole card this breeding season. Below are few things to think about as
you begin to do just that.
1. Do your research and take time to understand the current cattle
industry calls.
2. Establish breeding program goals as it relates to your future
profitability.
3. Evaluate your program’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. Clearly outline your inventory.
5. Survey your customers needs.
6
Ultimately, if you sit down and systematically work through your
breeding decisions well in advance (which most of you do) you’ll
naturally come up with the correct breeding solutions for your
program and avert the chaotic, emergency management scramble
chute side at the eleventh hour.
In addition, regardless of the current status of the industry or
marketplace, do what North American farmers and rancher’s do
best—progress, persevere and never panic. Do what you believe in and
focus on what works for your customer base. That doesn’t mean you
shouldn’t be geared toward progress, it simply means stay the course
and cater to your strengths while working toward improving upon
your weaknesses. At days end, it’s your program, your prerogative and
your profit margin.
Switching gears from my Coronavirus and breeding season diatribe,
I’d like to take minute to address what’s new at Limousin365.
First and foremost, thank you to all of the advertisers, readership
and those who have offered feedback on our inaugural Limousin365
Spring Sale Edition. Furthermore, from a staffing prospective,
we’re pleased to announce the hiring of Will Bollum of Northfield,
Minnesota, to represent our Northern Territory (learn more on
page 82). This represents a shift in that particular territory as Will
we will be the primary sale representative going forward effective
April 1. He will be tasked with selling the Herd Book Edition which
publishes July 1. Worth noting, Tom Rooney will be transitioning
into a Limousin365 brand ambassadorship role. We would like to
thank Tom for his salesmanship and assistance in launching the
Limousin365 print vehicle.
In closing, I hope you enjoy the 2020 Herd Bull Edition. I look
forward to seeing you at spring sales and as always we appreciate all
constructive feedback as it relates to your magazine, Limousin365.
We are all in this together. Stay Limousin Proud.
• APRIL 2020