EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
by Mark Anderson Executive Director North American Limousin Foundation
Welcome to the 2021 Breeder Directory Edition of Limousin365 . Outstanding cattle can be acquired that are listed through various breeders within this issue that are the result of the dedication of Limousin breeders ’ genetic programs and mating efforts through the previous years of hard work . Cattle that have superior quality and economic advantages to offer the commercial cattle industry throughout the United States can be located throughout this issue .
Genetic progress through dedicated seedstock operations enables the Limousin breed the ability to offer commercial cattle producers cattle that can excel not only maternally , but cattle that are extremely valuable in a terminal crossbreeding program . Advantages in performance as it relates to weight traits and feed efficiency have never been more important in an environment that is battling high feed cost for both roughages and concentrates . It is estimated that 65 % of the total cost of beef production comes in the form of feed cost .
This is combined with cattle that can hit the mark in terms of carcass quality in terms of superior yield grade and retail yield , while offering improved marbling EPDs . Although commercial producers do not look to our breed to acquire marbling in a crossbreeding program , recent improvements by our breeders on the trait enable Limousin to be utilized in a terminal cross program with the unique benefit of utilizing cattle that lead the way across the industry in terms of ribeye size . These economically important traits can be compared against other breeds within the IGS National Cattle Evaluation .
This is starting to be reflected by increased commercial demand , particularly this past spring through bull sale season . Limousin and Lim-Flex breeders posted one of the strongest bull sale seasons in recent years . Congratulations to Limousin breeders across the country for your efforts for not only high quality cattle offerings but your dedicated marketing efforts as well .
I often hear debate on which traits are of most importance when trying to build marketable seedstock . The truth of the matter is really fairly simple , they all matter ! Commercial cattlemen want cattle that hit all marks , rather than having to choose one traits over another given the high cost and risk inherent in beef production . The NALF board is embarking on dedicated research though the North American Limousin Research Foundation ( NALRF ) to verify and back the production claims by independent third party research to help market these advantages into the future .
Inflation has dramatically taken a foothold in this country , but that pass down has not been reflected at the cow / calf and feedyard levels of the business . Beef producers are still relying on improved performance
of cattle to cut production cost in a thin margin business that has lost some leverage in bargaining position at the feedyard level . Hopefully that situation will improve down the road . It is extremely frustrating for beef producers to see record retail beef prices and little trickle down occurring to the price received for feeder cattle and fed cattle .
Switching gears , NALF would like to thank breeders that have participated in the LimVision cowherd project offered through Neogen . It can be a rather unnerving process for a breeder to submit 90 % of their cowherd for genomics and parentage verification , yet many progressive breeders have elected to move forward with the project . Yes , some parentage errors have been found which exist in every herdbook , but most have taken the approach that they would rather know if any errors exist and get them corrected moving forward .
Of course , the biggest advantage of participating in LimVision is getting genomics done on your cow factory at a reduced rate along with advantages obtained in EPD accuracy for future matings and genetic improvement . The advantage of getting 90 % of the cow herd done also helps train genomic panels by not only capturing high quality cattle but the lower quality individuals as well . This , combined with turning in accurate phenotype data for both weight traits and carcass data ( both ultrasound and actual harvest data ), has developed the most accurate and usable herdbook in Limousin history .
We look forward to the upcoming Limousin Junior Nationals in Grand Island this Summer . NALJA has received record entries for the event topping 450 head entered into the week long event . Thank you to Ann Vorthmann for all her hard work and effort in helping to prepare a first class event this year . Additional thanks to the NALJA board along with Mallory and Dominique for their hard work and effort . NALF and NALJA would also like to thank the generous support of breeders and contributors to the annual event . This event would not be possible without support from breeders and sponsors that give so generously throughout the year .
NALF would also like to thank Ken Holloway and his family for the new scholarship program developed by his crew with the close of the All-American Limousin Futurity after it ’ s long and storied history . Due to his foresight , $ 16,000 worth of funds will be set aside annually for scholarships to be won at each year ’ s Limousin Junior Nationals . This will directly benefit junior Limousin breeders and help fund education cost for years to come as they move forward to pursue their chosen career paths and become industry leaders and potentially future Limousin breeders !
We look forward to seeing many of you in Grand Island this summer and look forward to seeing you succeed with your breeding programs this year !
12 • JULY 2021