Limousin 365 l365_apr2020-issue | Page 8

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