Limousin365 July 2022 | Page 31

Legacy

Ty and Susie Heavin , farm managers , have worked on the farm for almost 30 years . The operation started with registered fullblood Limousin cattle . As Pinegar Limousin grew and the Limousin breed diversified , the operation started to add purebreds , Lim-Flex and commercial cattle . “ Ed always said that even though his love was fullbloods , you have to have what your customer wants or needs , or they would just go down the road and buy from someone else ,” Ty said .
Maintaining Balance
Cattle in the registered and commercial part of Pinegar Limousin ’ s program must exhibit a balance of key traits . Instead of chasing volatile industry trends , farm managers focus on a balanced animal .
Ty looks for animals that move well , possess eye appeal , produce enough milk , and have moderate birth weight calves . In addition , Ty assesses the animal ’ s pedigree and EPDs . “ I think a balanced product of one that has a pedigree that you like , an appearance that you like , and one that is sound and good uddered . I think that will take you further down the road than extremes will , that ’ s my opinion ,” Ty explained .
Through the years the percent of fullblood , purebred , LimFlex and commercial cattle have fluctuated . Though the first Limousin at the farm were red , now the herd is mostly black . Currently , the herd reflects 10 percent fullblood , 30 to 40 percent purebred , and close to 50 percent Lim-Flex . Pinegar Limousin operates with the motto
Angie , Tad , Carol , Ed , Abbi and Ashlie Pinegar
of utilizing common sense and planned genetics to give customers the most predictable product possible .
Elite Genetics
The Pinegar herd exhibits decades of genetic progress . The reliance on proven cow families the farm has either raised or selected , has created a foundation of elite Limousin genetics . Annually , Pinegar Limousin flushes at least 10 of its donor cows .
The embryo transfer work opens the door for the next generation of foundation dams and sires . “ It allows you to take a cow that you really like and allows you to try different bulls on her to see what those offspring are like . What she is or isn ’ t going to do for you or what that bull did or didn ’ t do for you ,” Ty explained .
Additionally , Pinegar Limousin uses IVF and reverse sorts the semen for female calves . These matings are created with the hopes of making future show heifer prospects .
• JULY 2022
Success on the Show Circuit
The AUTO prefix can be found in champion bulls and females at shows throughout the country . Pinegar Limousin and its customers have garnered much success in the show ring . Pinegar Limousin ’ s awards are many , including championships at national shows . Most recently , AUTO How It ’ s Done , was selected as 2021 Cattlemen ’ s Congress Grand Champion Limousin Bull .
Though Pinegar Limousin appreciates the grand champion
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