LIMOUSIN TODAY | Page 12

Executive Summary Foundation Update By Mark Anderson, NALF executive director Seven days over the 4th of July week marked with a drop in DNA testing as breeders have a successful week for the NJLSC hosted by the had to deal with current market conditions. state of Missouri. Over 350 head from 23 states Regardless, the business will move forward. and 245 exhibitors participated throughout the Changes in technology, including genomics and week’s events, as juniors from across the country updated single-step national cattle evaluations participated in “A League of Their Own.” A sincere have changed the toolbox for seedstock thank you and debt of gratitude is owed to the breeders and most breed associations across Missouri Limousin Breeders Association, along the U.S. Although these can be challenging for with the whole Pinegar crew for their hard work most to adapt to, there is a wave of seedstock in hosting and obtaining sponsors for the well- producers that are embracing the change in attended annual event this summer. Another an effort to stay in front of the curve in the outstanding All-American Futurity Show concluded competitive business of supplying high quality the week that wouldn’t be possible without the seedstock to the commercial cattlemen. help from Ken Holloway and his crew throughout the year in preparation to The economy as a whole may make the show possible. Limousin and Lim-Flex have gotten better through Thank you also to the cattle continue to improve the past two years but much member volunteers and junior board members who genetically but still need to of the agricultural industry is still waiting to see some helped assist the NALF staff gain a little more ground improvement. Renegotiated throughout the whole week. in the marbling trait as we trade agreements such as the U.S., Canada and Mexico It has been a year that has move forward. trade agreement held up in brought some adversity congress currently, this can be of a major benefit for breeders across the country, given the severe to agriculture producers but has yet not passed weather late winter and early spring. Flooding through the U.S. Congress at the time of this caused major difficulties in many regions and writing. Exports, which are already adding $350 per not only impacted calving season but delayed head of value to fed cattle will need to continue and impacted various bull sales into the spring. to grow as beef production will continue to rise Given weaker commercial cattle markets and into 2020 even though it appears the U.S. cow resulting impacts on the seedstock business, herd rebuild is beginning to level off. Potential it has been a challenging year for many of our renegotiated trade agreements with China and breeders. NALF is a mirror and reflection of that other countries would be of major benefit to U.S. with the 2018-2019 fiscal year experiencing producers if eventually completed. Until that declines in registrations and transfers along happens, the agricultural industry as a whole will continue to be challenged to a degree. “ ” 10 | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019