LIMOUSIN TODAY Dec:Jan18-19_LimToday_WEB | Page 34

From the Field An Exciting New Year By Andy Rest, NALF regional manager As I write this column, 2018 is almost history. As with many of you, my thoughts this time of year turn to what lies ahead in 2019. you to make plans to be with us for five action packed days. The entire National Western schedule can be found in this issue of the magazine. Kicking off the New Year is one of the events I look forward to the most; the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This historic event has seen many great Limousin accomplishments over the years. The depth of quality in the show ring “on the hill” and in the pen & carload show in yards is second to none. Shortly after Denver, comes shows and top consignment sales in Sioux Falls, Fort Worth and Rapid City. These events will feature high quality animals from breeders in different regions of the country and do an excellent job of promoting the breed to the beef industry. The NALF annual meeting allows you to hear first hand from the NALF staff and Board of Directors about the breed’s direction and to help elect new board members. The National Sale is an opportunity to add some of the breed’s best genetics to your breeding program. If you haven’t already done so, I strongly encourage Starting in early February we move into the heart of the spring bull selling season. My travels will take me to sales in South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, and Washington during a busy spring. I anticipate a strong market for both purebred and Lim-Flex bulls again this year. Commercial cattlemen are finding out these bulls have improved greatly over the past 35 years in terms of disposition, performance and maternal ability, while maintaining their strong carcass, feed efficiency and longevity traits. I strongly encourage you to attend a Limousin event or sale in your area. Take advantage of the opportunity to add a top herd sire or female to your program. At the very least, you’ll gain insight to market demands and the sale host will appreciate your support. Finally, I would like to wish everyone in our Limousin family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. I sincerely appreciate the support and friendship I’ve received throughout the last year! I 32 | DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019