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deserve a pat on the back for the time and professional dedication they exhibit on behalf of Limousin breeders . One thing I am very proud of , is that I think I am one of the few that has been a breeder , Limousin World representative , NALF Employee , National Board Member and National Board President . It took 44 years , but as Baxter Black told me once , what ’ s time to a ringman .
One of the best side effects of the past
44 years ringside has been the lifelong friends and professionals whose names will always be in my datebook . Guys like Dan Wedman , Andy Rest , DeRon Heldermon and Thad Combs have represented the Limousin breed proudly and professionally . The heart of the industry , while I have been lucky enough to travel it , are friends like Tom Rooney , Doug Paul , Jay Purchase , Delvin Heldermon , Kirby Goettsch , Terry Robinson , Alan Sears , Jim Gies , Bruce Bradley , Scott Manley , Tim Lackey , John Meentz , Phil Stoll , Ralph Means , Chisum Kinder , Joel Edge and Don Birk . Working back-to-back with these men has been a pleasure and made the whole thing a little easier . Knowing they always had my back and were willing to bail me out of any jam was a comfort few get to experience .
Most importantly has been you , the breeders . I so appreciate your trust and backing through the years . One of the things I took the most pride in was buying cattle on order for those who couldn ’ t
FOCUS
Through the years I have been lucky to work with the best Colonels in the livestock industry .
attend a sale for one reason or another . I don ’ t know how many cattle I have purchased for others through the years , but I know I appreciated your trust and your interest whether we were successful , ran a strong second , or a distant third . I also want to thank everyone that has hired me to represent them at ringside . I wish I could tell you how many Limousin animals I have helped sell . Let ’ s just say it has been several , all hopefully handled in a professional manner meant to best represent you and your product while getting the most money collected for you and your family . I am also proud of the fact that for some , I have worked all your sales — some more than 30 years and for a few , 40 or more . I have watched sons and daughters take over for their parents and know the Limousin breed is stronger than it has ever been , both genetically and with strong breeder involvement .
As you can probably see , all of this has led to a time for a change in business plans . With more expensive travel and the desire to spend more time with the only one who ever wanted to have a fulltime seat riding shotgun , we have decided to take down our “ bid spotter ” shingle and retire our Hampton Inn Diamond Status and devote more time to Grassroots Genetics & Consulting and Semen Business and to Grassroots Insurance and our partnership with Liberty Mutual . We plan to be every bit as involved in the Limousin breed , helping with matings , soliciting the best bulls and making sure you have an avenue to purchase frozen genetics from a longtime reputable dealer and sales team . We will also be able to insure your purchases and mitigate the risk that comes with owing quality seedstock cattle .
If you ’ ve ever ridden shotgun with me , you know that George Strait is always on play . I ’ m reminded of one of my many George favorites .
“ Sometimes I feel like Jesse James Still trying to make a name Knowing nothing ’ s gonna change what I am I was a young troubadour , when I rode in on a song I ’ ll be an old troubadour , when I ’ m gone ”
We still may show up at your gate from time-to-time , but we ’ ll probably be carrying our fishing rods , our shotguns or our golf clubs . Also , when you call , don ’ t be surprised if it sounds sunny . Because you see , I really hate blizzards and don ’ t plan on driving in one again . The road has been a long one , but a great one . We hope to meet you out there soon .
“ COMMITTED TO QUALITY ”
Mary Gates • Gary , Brandi & Avery Gates PO Box 123 • Roscoe , MT 59071 www . gateslimousin . com 406 / 328-4393 • gary @ gateslimousin . com
Our unwavering focus continues to be on producing docile Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle with growth and performance , perfectly suited for the commercial cattleman . Please inquire about the genetic options available at the ranch .
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Mark A . Smith email : grgenetics @ aol . com phone : 515-229-5227
24 • JULY 2022