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The farm was also recently designated as the first Limousin breeder with Powersource Genetic Alliance , a group of commercial beef seedstock producers representing every major cattle breed .
In addition to fullblood Limousin , the Moyers also raise purebreds ( at least 87 % Limousin genetics ) and Lim-Flex ( 25 % to 75 % Limousin cross , typically to Angus ). Fullblood animals remain a priority for Moyer , however . “ You ’ re always going to need fullblood to do crosses . We don ’ t have any problem selling our fullblood genetics ,” she said .
In addition to the carcass attributes , Moyer said Limousin cows are extremely maternal , produce plenty of milk and have exceptional calving-ease . Years ago , the breed was known to have a somewhat ornery disposition , but Moyer said breeding and genetic improvements have turned that around .
“ We work with them and walk among them every day with no problem ,” she said . “ I can clean and brush them without having to put them in the chute .”
Despite all the positives , Moyer said marketing of the breed needs to improve . That ’ s why she always welcomes visitors to the farm and is eager to raise awareness of Limousin cattle .
“ The Angus breed has done , by far , the best job of marketing ,” Moyer said . “ The word needs to get out about Limousin and we encourage people to come to the farm and see for themselves what this breed has to offer .”
Marketing is less of an issue with Lim-Flex because those animals are black due to the Angus cross , she added .
The biggest issue for some with a fullblood Limousin is the red color . While there is a preference for black cattle in the market due to the popularity of Angus , Moyer believes the color of the hide has no bearing on what ’ s underneath .
“ Once the hide is off , the benefits of a Limousin are apparent . Our butcher called us after he did a steer and he was impressed with the difference of the Limousin carcass hanging next to an Angus and Charolais ,” she said . “ Those carcasses had a lot of fat covering , but with our Limousin you can see the meat and you know there ’ s going to be less waste .”
Whether it ’ s quality with the carcass or genetics , Moyer and her family remain dedicated to improving the breed and raising awareness . The demand for Limousin genetics is high , she said , but it takes plenty of work , either in front of a computer researching breeding records or in the barn working the cattle .
“ I was in the barn the other night until 2 a . m . making sure a heifer was going to calve without any problems . It went fine , I went inside and got three hours of sleep and was back at it ,” Moyer said . “ I would do that every day if I had to .”
Editor ’ s Note : Reprinted with permission from Lancaster Farming , www . lancasterfarming . com
Hit it Out of the Park
Jim & Amy Anderson 8325 Boe Rd • Stanwood , WA 98292 425-238-4772 • TripleACattleCo @ yahoo . com www . TripleACattleCo . com
BEUS Homerun 194H
79 % Limousin • Homo Polled • Black • 1 / 23 / 20 MAGS Aviator x BEUS Fresca 190F
CE : 13 BW : 0.2 WW : 77 YW : 121 MK : 27 SC : 0.03 DC : 20 YG : -0.22 RE : 0.88 MB : 0.11 $ MI : 59 Eye-appeal , power , calving-ease and growth — Homerun has it all ! With an actual birthweight of 70 lbs ., and WW & YW EPDs in the top 10 %, he is a true outlier with his combination of calving-ease and growth . Hit it out of the park with BEUS Homerun 194H .
Cattle available for sale private treaty . Your call or visit is welcome anytime ! Limousin locker beef also available .
48 • JULY 2022