M & B LIMOUSIN
Capturing Added Value With Limousin
by Amanda Radke
At M & B Limousin , you ’ ll find cherry red Limousin females
grazing on the rollings hills near Lee ’ s Summit , Missouri . Owned by Mike and Betsy Cravens , the operation was established in 1990 and consists of 150 spring-calving cows and 150 fallcalving cows .
On the edge of the western plains , the pastures are mostly fescue and dry , windy conditions can make things challenging , but Mike Cravens said his hardy females prove that Limousin genetics can work in every type of environment .
“ In 1990 , I needed a bull for my commercial cows , and by chance , I ended up leasing a Limousin ,” said Cravens . “ I was pleasantly surprised by the overall growth and performance , and it didn ’ t take us long to transition our crossbred cows to registered Limousin seedstock .”
Over the years , the Cravens have capitalized on value-added programs . They have previously worked with branded beef programs , Strauss Free Raised ® Veal and Laura ’ s Lean Beef . At present , they
“ I think Limousin is the best breed in the country ,” says Mike Cravens , owner of M & B Limousin .
market calves to Wulf Cattle and enjoy seeing their genetics perform in the feedlot setting in the Wulf program .
“ Using Limousin genetics , we have found the calves to be big and stout , with heavy muscling and gentle attitudes ,” said Cravens . “ Our breed ’ s huge improvements in docility is a story we need to share with more people . I ’ m really proud of our breed , but we need to continue to debunk that old reputation of those wild Limousin of the past .”
Building the operation while maintaining off-farm jobs was no easy task , but Betsy and Mike worked together to grow numbers while improving the genetics of their cow herd . Retirement from their nine-to-five jobs has allowed them to put their full energy into the business , and they are focused on achieving their production goals with selective breeding and a solid health and nutrition program . continued on page 46
At M & B Limousin , you ’ ll find mostly cherry red Limousin females grazing on the rollings hills near Lee ’ s Summit , MO . Owned by Mike and Betsy Cravens , the operation consists of 150 spring-calving cows and 150 fall-calving cows .
44 • OCTOBER 2020