Limousin365 Breeder Directory Edition, July 2025

A New Chapter Begins

Thank You, Mark, for 40 years of dedication to the Limousin breed and Grassroots Genetics. We are grateful for your guidance and are excited to have you continue in a consulting role.

Under New Ownership

We, Grant and Claire Hubbard, are honored to carry on the Grassroots legacy with a continued focus on customer service, breed-leading Limousin genetics and sustainable practices.

Honoring the Legacy. Embracing the Future.

By continuing Mark’s legacy, we remain committed to advancing progressive breeding strategies and offering the same trusted support Grassroots has always been known for.

and your program.

Grant Hubbard (918)541-4990

Claire Hubbard (765)404-8458 www.grassrootsgenetics.com

Aggie Traditions Sale Wilder Family

Maternal Matrons

Maternal matrons like these have laid our foundation. Building around females with proven pedigrees, balanced traits and strong maternal lineage has been our practice since the beginning.

Wulfs Hadith 0017H

LFF2275432

AUTO Matron 404E LFF2139117

CELL Kinky 2056K LFF2519985

Wulfs Hard Cider 0028H ET LFF2277030

TMCK Gazpacho 743G LFF2166188

Wulfs Kallima 5089K NPF2517775

JBV Full Moon 123J NXF2480483

CELL Jolly 1505J ET LFF2522195

Wulfs Genista 9712G LFF2265043

When you’re in the market for Limousin bulls or females backed by strong cow families, give us a call. Watch for our consignments at upcoming sales.

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

by Kiley McKinna

Riding The Momentum

As we dive into summer, the state of the beef industry continues to be shaped by tight national cow numbers and strong consumer demand for beef which has translated into record feeder calf prices and a renewed focus on maternal function. With commercial producers laser-focused on efficiency and input costs, the value of structured, data-backed genetics has never been greater. For the Limousin breed, this presents an undeniable opportunity.

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While liquidation across the country has left the U.S. cow herd at a 70-year low, demand for replacement females and bulls that can add muscle, growth and real-world performance is rising. Limousin cattle—known for their efficiency, feed conversion and high-yielding carcasses—are positioned to meet that demand head-on. More and more, we’re seeing commercial producers seek out Limousin and Lim-Flex genetics not just for terminal traits, but also for maternal durability, docility and adaptability in leaner times.

A Time To Lead, Not Just Compete

Progressive breeders are taking note. They’re investing in herd bulls that not only check the boxes on phenotype and EPDs, but also offer long-term flexibility and market versatility. Whether you’re selling seedstock or building a cow herd that will last a decade, the bulls you use today must serve more than one role—they must build momentum for the future.

As you browse this Breeder Directory, you’ll find operations who aren’t just breeding cattle—they’re building brands, developing cow families and staying committed to the kind of selection pressure that makes an impact at every level of the industry. These breeders aren’t chasing trends. They’re setting them.

Looking Ahead

Despite rising input costs and regional weather challenges, there is a shared sense of optimism among Limousin breeders and customers alike. It’s rooted in data, built on decades of progress and backed by programs who are doing it right. As we head into the fall sale season, that momentum will only grow stronger.

We’re proud to work alongside so many of you who are investing in the future—not only of your own herd, but of the Limousin breed as a whole. Here’s to continued progress, strong partnerships and the power of a good plan.

We wish you a bountiful summer season and will see you down the sale trail this fall. Stay Limousin proud, we’re in it together!

Discovery Awaits

of 2025 Coleman Limousin

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 • 7 PM MST Nine Pipes Event Center • near Charlo, MT

1 herd bull, 1 donor, 35 Bred Heifers, Multiple Genetic Opportunities

Since 1970, the Coleman family—Larry, Anita, Trent & Melissa—has built a legacy of data-driven genetics, running over 400 registered cows and pioneering successful AI programs. Our ranch—nestled by Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park—is open to visitors year-round. Preview cattle anytime by appointment. Call Trent today.

We appreciate all who joined us April 1, 2025, at our annual production sale. Your support continues to inspire our program forward.

A LEADER

For homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Limousin since 1974.

The decision to get involved in the Limousin breed has been one of the most rewarding decisions we have ever made. The relationships we have made over the years with our Limousin family and longtime customers are something you can’t put a price tag on. We have been involved since the beginning at the local, state and national levels and are proud to see Boone following in our footsteps. Hiram and Bret served on the Texas Limousin Association board with Bret serving as president. Both Hiram and Bret served on the North American Limousin Foundation board including terms as president. We are honored Boone was selected by his peers to serve as this year’s president of the North American Limousin Junior Association in a position held by Bret as well.

Congratulations to all the juniors who participated in this year’s junior national! We applaud the efforts of those who made this year’s show in Perry, Georgia, such a success.

We always have a large selection of homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred Limousin bulls and females for sale at the ranch.

Your call or visit is always welcome.

Hiram and Darenda • 806/375-2346

Bret, Hayley, McKinley & Boone • 806/375-2345

Box 110, Allison, Texas 79003 begertranch@gmail.com www.begertlimousinranch.com

WPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Austin Hager

elcome to the Breeder’s Edition of Limousin365. It’s been an exceptional year for both seedstock breeders and commercial cattle operations given the historically high cattle prices we are enjoying. Record low cattle numbers not seen since the early 1960s continue to bolster prices along with strong consumer demand for beef.

It was extremely encouraging to see the strongest bull sale season this past spring that I have been witness to in the Limousin breed for our members. The increase seen on sale averages is needed given

2025-26 NALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT, Austin Hager ...................................... Karlsruhe, ND 701-626-2345 • hagercc@srt.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Joey Freund ......................................... Elizabeth, CO 303-841-7901 • freundjoe@outlook.com

SECRETARY, George Hubbard ..................................... Welch, OK 918-541-5482 • georgerhubbard@gmail.com

TREASURER, Lance Sennett .................................. Waynetown, IN 765-366-4894 • lasennett@att.net

AT-LARGE, Rob Brawer ........................................ Wood Lake, NE 402-376-4465 • bulliscreek@gpcom.net

EX-OFFICIO, Bruce Lawrence Anton, TX 806-790-2535 • bll1@speednet.com

DIRECTORS

Matt Spangler, Lincoln, NE, 402-472-6489, mspangler2@unl.edu

Kim Getz, Keyser, WV, 304-749-8043, ralimousin@frontiernet.net

Casey Fanta, Starbuck, MN, 320-288-6128, Casey.fanta@wulfcattle.com

William Long, Afton, IA, 641-340-1676, longandsonslimousin@gmail.com

Bart Mitchell, Boscobell, WI, 608-553-8070, springcreeksbart@gmail.com

Jay Wilder, Snook, TX, 979-268-5491, jwwilder1993@gmail.com

Mark Haden, Rogersville, MO, 417-838-6109, buckridgecattle@gmail.com

Trent Coleman, Charlo, MT, 406-253-1113, tmcoleman@blackfoot.net

Brian Duplaga, Grafton, OH, 440-355-6682, duplaga@windstream.net

Rod Reynolds, Sanford, CO, 719-588-1230, reynolds_showcattle@yahoo.com

the time, money, labor and commitment it takes to produce high quality seedstock genetics that can be utilized by the commercial cattle industry.

Continued genetic improvement for our breed is critical to keep pace with our competitors. This is also the focus of your NALF Board’s agenda as we move forward. We must provide adequate tools to help our membership achieve that mission. It is the continual job of your board and association to stay competitive in the seedstock business to assist with potential matings that move the needle on genetic progress.

This is all part of the reason your NALF Board embarked on the mission to obtain independent third-party research five years ago. The NALRF was formed, and the project was initiated. The intent was not only to see what our cattle might excel at, but also what we could potentially improve upon moving forward.

I was excited to see both Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle graded exceptionally well given the powerful implant regimen utilized on the feeding cycle. This does not mean all our cattle are sufficient. The sires used on both Purebred and Lim-Flex sires had adequate marbling EPDs with a well-balanced trait deck on all EPDs. Since the test sires were selected four years ago, we have made further progress, and I’m sure we could improve our report card given the current Limousin and Lim-Flex population that exists today.

Given the fact that Limousin cattle are known for superior feed efficiency, higher yield grades with muscle and cutability, being able to combine this with the ability to hit industry quality grade demands was exciting. As the industry begins to focus on red meat yield and a possible revamp of the USDA yield grade system, I firmly believe this will position the Limousin breed to be a valued player in the future.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your NALF President again this year. It does require time and commitment, but our family firmly believes in this breed and what it offers the cattle industry.

I would also like to congratulate our members of the North American Limousin Junior Association on a successful Junior Nationals in Perry, Georgia. I know and appreciate the amount of work and commitment it has taken from membership and their team in our Southeastern states. Congratulations on a job well done.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

by Mark Anderson Executive Director North American Limousin Foundation

NALRF/SDSU Research Project Economic Analysis

Recently you may have seen the economic analysis South Dakota State University shared online via Limousin Latest, our social media and website. The results of that analysis were extremely positive for both Limousin and Lim-Flex® sires who were mated to commercial Angus cows alongside comparable Angus sires of similar EPD values.

For years we have known that Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle excel in terms of feed efficiency, superior yield grades, and muscle or actual retail yield. This third party research conducted by the North Ameican Limousin Foundation Research Foundation not only confirms this, but also shows our cattle are highly valuable in a crossbreeding program to create progeny with desirable quality grade levels if sires possess an adequate overall EPD trait deck.

As total red meat yield becomes more prevalent in the industry over the next decade and a possible improvement to the USDA yield grade

Assumptions, Questions and Economic Value Analysis:

1. What is the effect of adding days on feed and resulting impact on revenue, cost and return on all cattle and differences between the sire groups?

2. Constant grid values were used for all three harvest dates spread 30 days apart. Breeds are analyzed by groups at 200, 235 and 270 days on feed after an initial warmup period of 78 days.

3. Cattle feeders have extended days on feed resulting in hot carcass weights exceeding the upper bounds of existing slaughter datasets. Consequently, there is a need for new research to evaluate cattle growth, efficiency and carcass outcomes as cattle are fed to heavier hot carcass weights (>1000 lbs. for steers).

4. Cattle were fed to larger outwieghts to be more reflective of the larger outweights being seen in the current fed cattle industry and the increasing trend in larger carcass weights.

system lurks on the horizon, Limousin cattle can add additional value. The ability to achieve the aforementioned to larger outweights while maintaining feed conversion and a lower percentage of Yield Grade 4 & 5 cattle is a big economic reason to look to Limousin and Lim-Flex® to provide genetics that can get the commercial cow operator there quickly.

The following economic analysis on the NALRF/SDSU Research Project comparing three different sire groups consisting of Angus, Lim-Flex® and Limousin sires bred to commercial Angus cows is partially summarized below. (A.I. sires utilized were independently selected by Dr. Robert Weaber for relative EPD equivalency also utilizing USMARC breed adjustments to better measure breed comparisons). The slides pertaining to economic analysis were prepared by Dr. Warren Rusche, SDSU.

5. Grid values were based on a Cargill grid, base price = $310.00/ cwt., reference quality, yield grade and carcass weight premiums and discounts in attached slide presentation by Dr. Warren Rouche, SDSU.

6. Cost assumptions in value established using January 2024 starting weights and South Dakota USDA report (Steers & Heifers). Ration cost =$200/ton, yardage at $0.50 per day along with trucking, vet, etc. at $85.00/head. Interest was 8.5% on feeder cattle and feed. Ending values were calculated from Cargill settlement.

continued on page 14

Double Polled / Homo Black / Purebred Limousin TASF Crown Royal X Riverstone Charmed Owned with the Gaston Family Influence

DL Let Us Pray 087L

ELCX Kings Landing 599D X DL Hosanna 526H

One of the most exciting purebred bulls to come along since his sire!

KAKG She’s the One 408M ET

ELCX Kings Landing 599D X DL Hosanna 526H

Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female & Reserve Champion Limousin Female, 2025 National Junior Heifer Show Shown by Kylee Gaston

12500 Hwy 279, Brownwood, TX 76801

Brad Davis, 325.647.7681 | davislimousin@gmail.com

General Manager, Blair Davis, 325.998.6296 | blair@davislimousin.com

Ranch Manager, Corey Sanchez, 325.792.8439 | csanchez4114@hotmail.com

Randall O. Ratliff

615.330.2735

Randy@RRMktg.com

DL Leilani 22L ET

ELCX Kings Landing 599D X DL Hosanna 526H

Grand Champion Purebred Limousin Female, 2025 National Junior Heifer Show Shown by Kyle Linhart

Takeaways:

1. All breed groups reflected an increase in value with added days on feed.

2. The added value in revenue and margin for all three breed groups increased to offset increasing costs at all three harvest dates for all cattle combined. This is reflective of today’s increasing outweight trends in fed cattle production and subsequent hot carcass weights.

3. Lim-Flex® sired cattle excelled in added revenue and margin from 200 DOF to 270 DOF when combining feed cost of gain and carcass results:

• Lim-Flex® = $438.86/hd. revenue; $250.39/hd. cost; $188.48 margin.

• Angus = $423.12/hd. revenue; $255.57/hd. cost; $167.55 margin.

• Limousin = $328.24/hd. revenue, $242.86/hd. cost, $85.38 margin.

Note: Lim-Flex® sired progeny had an equivalent number of prime grading carcasses as compared to Angus while achieving superior yield grade and dry matter conversions within the final 70 days on feed

4. Profit for “all” cattle - $/hd. increased at each DOF harvest endpoint.

• 200 DOF = $284.61/hd.

• 235 DOF = $347.17/hd.

• 270 DOF = $417.03/hd.

SLIDE 2

5. Overall profit by sire breed from start to finish was led by Limousin and Lim-Flex sired calves when combining cost of gain and carcass results.

• Limousin = $357.47/hd.

• Lim-Flex® = $353.43/hd.

• Angus = $330.99/hd.

SLIDE 3

6. Increased Limousin influence improved dry matter conversion and resulting lower cost of gains to enhance their profitability. Although Limousin cattle had no Prime carcasses, they also had no Select carcasses and increased Limousin influence resulted in superior yield grade resulting in fewer Yield Grade 4 & 5 cattle and resulting yield grade discounts when fed to larger outweights.

continued on page 16

SLIDE 1

continued from page 14

Where Champions Are Made

From the backdrop to your breeding program, our genetics are built to perform—both in the ring and in the pasture.

WWST THE COMEBACK KID 928K Bred and raised by us, Comeback Kid is making his mark.

WWST MISS BELLA 052M

Miss Bella is a powerful representation of our program.

Bulls available off the farm, backed by proven pedigrees and practical performance.

We have select heifers available sired by:

WWST CBK, L7 Koko, Colburn Primo, AUTO Lucky Guy, and more.

Join us at the Indiana State Fair or connect with us anytime—we’d love to talk cattle.

WHITEWATER — LIMOUSIN —

Andy, Connie, Clay, Zach, Luke and Jack Stirn

3150 Sharptown Rd. • West Harrison, IN 47060 513/300-2009 (mobile)•513/739-7576 (Luke)•whitewater_limi@heavenwire.net

SLIDE 4

7. A ration cost increase from $200/ton to $275/ton increased profitability for Limousin and Lim-Flex® sired calves given improved feed conversion rates.

EXCLUSIVE POSITIONS—annually

Association, Youth, Commercial, Events, Online-Contact for Pricing

PREMIER PROMOTION POSITIONS—annually

Featured Ads, Catalogs, Breeder Directory-Contact for Pricing

FEATURED AD LISTING—$850 per 30 day-cycle

SALE CATALOG LISTING—30 day-cycle

$295 if accompanied by Featured Ad or Premier Spot • $1,000—Stand Alone

BREEDER DIRECTORY LISTING—$450 annually Business Card Ads

BULL PEN SIRE DIRECTORY—$835 Four Month Placement

eBlast SERVICES—$250 per blast

eBlast PREFERRED POSITIONS—Contact for Pricing

ONLINE SALE HOSTING Contact for Pricing

4-Time Contract Print Ad Discount - 5% Annual Contract Digital/Print Discount - 15%

NORTH REGION

Claire Hubbard

765/404-8458 claire@limousin365.com

SOUTH REGION

DeRon Heldermon

405/850-5102

deron@limousin365.com

SLIDE 5

8. Breed difference effects in overall research trial. Breed did not affect ADG, final BW or HCW. Increased Limousin influence reduced DMI and improved F:G ratio. Increased Limousin influence increased REA and reduced rib fat and yield grade. Angus influence increased marbling score. Lim-Flex sired calves had a similar proportion of premium carcass grades compared to Angus for CAB and Prime carcasses in addition to improved yield grade.

Owned by Sennett Cattle Co.

Behind Every Bid is a

At MC Marketing Management, we don’t leave success to chance. Every sale, every ad, every buyer interaction is the result of a carefully crafted strategy— designed to elevate your genetics, enhance your brand and drive real results.

From big-picture planning to sale-day execution, we build marketing programs that work—because they’re built with a purpose.

If you’re serious about marketing cattle, you need more than exposure. You need a plan.

MEMBER AND INDUSTRY NEWS BRIEFS

NALF Office Closed September 1

The NALF office will also be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Regular office hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday will resume September 2.

Limited Staff in Office

The NALF Board of Directors is having their annual summer meeting August 12-14, 2025. NALF staff will be out of the office and attending the meeting. Staff will answer phone calls and emails as time allows.

Is your Contact Information Up to Date?

Members are encouraged to log in to their member site on the NALF-DigitalBeef Platform to review the contact information listed. It is a good practice from time to time to look this information over to make sure it is correct and complete. The tabs to review are: Addresses, Phones, Contacts, and Associated herds. Use the edit or delete buttons under the options header on the right hand of the screen to change or remove information. To add your website address, click on [edit] in the tan General Profile Information bar in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Also, check out the Prefs tab. Under this tab you may edit your member preferences, such as allowing non-members to see your profile when using the Ranch Search tool, an option to store registration certificates electronically, plus more.

Limi Data Assist

The North American Limousin Foundation is excited to offer a new service available to all active members: Lim Data Assist. If you are struggling to keep up on registrations, transfers, and data entry and would like to spend less time on the computer, this is the program for you. Breeders will provide NALF with access to herd records (via Excel, CattleMax, or any other form of record keeping), and our staff will provide the electronic data entry for each animal in your herd. For one single per head price, our staff will provide the data entry of the registration, performance updates, transfer, and DNA requests of your herd. Contact Alison or Tammy at the NALF office for more information.

DNA Testing

In order to prevent sample failures, make sure tissue samples are full of fluid. Low fluid in the tube results in a higher fail rate.

AI Sire and Donor Dam Reminder

verification for sires and sire verification for donor dams. Animals born before 2015 do not require the genomic profile but do require either parent or sire verification through SNP DNA typing. They must also be tested for any genetic condition (AM, NH, Proto, etc.) that they are a potential carrier for. AI sire permits are recommended on any new AI sire and can be added by contacting either Alison or Tammy at the NALF office.

Rush Orders

When mailing in rush registrations and transfers, print RUSH on the outside of the envelope and when emailing put RUSH in the subject line. This will help make sure your work gets processed immediately. The $25 rush fee for each certificate, noted on the self-billing worksheet, will be billed. Payment must be received for certificates to print. There are no rush orders available on lab work and ET calves.

In Memoriam

Jackie Robert Stepp

Jackie Robert Stepp, 89, went to be with his Lord on June 5, 2025, in Stephenville, Texas. He was surrounded by his three daughters, Janice, Connie and Tracy, who were loving on him and holding his hands. Jackie was born to Bessie and Ruben Stepp on July 20, 1935, in Claypool, Oklahoma. After completing high school, he married the love of his life, Thelma Pearl Bonham, on January 7, 1956, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Together, they shared a beautiful life before she went to be with her Lord on June 3, 2013.

He was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Haslet, he led the singing, taught Boys RA, and Sunday school. Because of Jack’s faith and walk with the Lord, he touched and changed many lives over his 89 years.

Jack was the ranch manager at Hall-Nance Hereford Ranches in Haslet, Texas, for 22 years. His reputation throughout the ranching community became well known. This is where he raised his girls and taught them many life lessons. From there, he moved his family to Justin, Texas, where he managed Bingham Limousin Ranch and began showing cattle on the national level. During his time there, he raised many champions. Throughout his long cattle career, he also managed M & L Limousin Ranch in Era, Texas, among others.

Jack and Thelma moved to Stephenville, Texas, to retire. He continued his love for cattle and was caring for cattle at Aces Wild Ranch up until his last few days. Everyone looked forward to Jack pulling into the ranch, to fill his feed truck and get a bale of hay, and

All AI sires and donor dams born in 2015 or later are required to have a GGP-HD genomic profile on file in addition to parent continued on page 20

continued from page 18

there was always knowledge to be learned. Becoming a grandad was a highlight of Jack’s life - known as Papa Jack to all the kids who have ever known him.

He is survived by; daughters, Janice Stepp and John Rhodes, Connie and Bobby Randolph, and Tracy Stepp and Jed Watje; brother, Ronnie King; grandchildren, Brandon and Lauren Logan, Jessica Logan, Lane and Ryan Hedeman, Trevor Hedeman, Dalton and Beulah Randolph, Belle Watje; great grandchildren, Kobi, Brandie, Ryli, Lyla, Randall, Bobby, Rocker, Paysley and Truett; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma; brothers, James Trout, Johnny Stepp, Dale King; sisters; Blue Eyes Hall, Willie (Bill) Greenroyd, Christine Bradshaw; and grandson, Randall Logan

In Memoriam

James “Jim” Edgar Fawley

James “Jim” Edgar Fawley, age 82, a lifelong Lynchburg, Ohio, resident, passed away peacefully after a short illness with his family by his side on May 29, 2025, at UC Medical Center. He was born on August 26, 1942, in Ironton the son of the late Edgar H. and Marjorie E. (Doty) Fawley. Jim had many titles; the talker, the storyteller, cattleman, farmer, family man, but most importantly he was Daddy to his three daughters and Grampy to his grandchildren.

He was the kind of person who could turn a simple conversation into an unforgettable memory. His life revolved around family,

cattle and farming—a passion that was both his livelihood and his joy. Many knew him from the tractor pull circuit, where he proudly competed with his tractor, “Jean’s Joy.” He was also known in the cattle barns, not just at the Highland County Fair but across the U.S. Jim was the Highland County Junior Fair Beef Barn superintendent for 37 years, was instrumental in founding the Eastern Limousin Breeders Association, was a member of the North American Limousin Foundation from 1975 to present and served as a member of the National Board for eight years. Jim’s adventures didn’t end on the farm. He was a homebody at heart but traveled across the U.S. with two generations of his family showing cattle. Those who knew him will remember not only his stories, but also his deep love for family, cattle and the community he called home. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jean E. Duvall Fawley, whom he married on December 11, 1971; daughters, Kristen (Mike) Long Greenawalt of Lynchburg, Kim Long Norman of Hillsboro, and Kelly (Clint) Long Hall of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Megan (Thomas) Bohrer, Molly (Brad) Fenton, Matthew (Kaylee) Greenawalt, Cooper Norman, Chandler Norman, Claire Norman, and Dylan Hall; great grandchildren, Bowen, Eli, Elora, Kolter, Semiya, and Eric; brother, Bill (Dianne) Fawley of Lynchburg; and nephew, Will (Kara) Fawley

NALF STAFF LISTING

www.nalf.org

Alison Jones Ext. 59, Alison@NALF.org

Ext. 27, Steph@NALF.org

Tatum Swink Tatum@NALF.org

The

SALE MANAGEMENT:

Kiley McKinna 402-350-3447 Wiley Fanta 320-287-0751 mcmarketingsales@aol.com www.mcmarketingmanagement.com

SALE CONSULTANTS: BID ONLINE:

Randy Ratliff 615-330-2735 Bill Helton 256-962-0256

AUCTIONEER:

Chisum Peterson 605-730-4214

Built for the Backdrop. Proven in the

FWalk Together, It’s About The Journey

by Randy Ratliff, Ratliff & Co

resh off the National Junior Heifer show in Georgia, I am reminded of how the Limousin Breed is just one big family. When I sit and watch how hard the kids work with their projects and the resources, time and efforts from the supporting parents, it all makes me realize how precious life is and the journey we are all on. I have always kept this comment from Steve Jobs close to me, and I think of it often. It pertains to realizing that the cattle shows and sales are just a part of everyone’s journey and should never be the end all. In anything we do it is about the people, friends, successes and failures that make us who we are. Steve’s words below helped me realize the importance of my journey and I am in hopes others will get the same from it that I do.

Steve Jobs said before his death:

“I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death. You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you. Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – “Life.”

When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – “Book of Healthy Life”. Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down. Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...Treat yourself well. Cherish others.

As we grow older, and hence wiser, we slowly realize that wearing a $300 or $30 watch - they both tell the same time. Whether we carry a $300 or $30 wallet/ handbag - the amount of money inside is the same. Whether we drive a $150,000 car or a $30,000 car - the road and distance is the same, and we get to the same destination.

Whether we drink a bottle of $ 300 or $10 wine - the hangover is the same. Whether the house we live in is 300 or 3000 sq ft - loneliness is the same. You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether you fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down - you go down with it.

Therefore.. I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, That is true happiness!!!”

If you just want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone! But if you want to Walk Far, Walk Together!

Let’s continue as a Family with the Limousin Cattle as the catalyst to be better and do better. We can Walk Far if we Walk Together!

AGREATHERITAGE GREATHERDSIRES

AHCC MOMENTUM 6067L

S: Wulfs Gameboy C911G D: AHCC Miss Resource 6067D

Fuchs Limousin has built a herd around the utilization of great herd sires. Sires with breed leading, balanced performance and progressive genetics secure the foundation of our program. These two young sires will carry on this great heritage.

We welcome your call or visit anytime.

Gary & Susan Fuchs

Stephen, Nathan & Emily

P.O. Box 81 • Cameron, TX 76520

254/482-0611

garyfuchs53@yahoo.com

Stephen Fuchs, manager 254/482-0052 fuchslimousin@gmail.com www.fuchslimousin.com

AHCC LANDMARK 917L

S: HBRL Gateway 9511G B2F D: AHCC Miss Earning Power 917G

70% Lim-Flex • Homo Polled • Homo Black CE: 13 BW: -0.6 WW: 83 YW: 143 MK: 33 SC: 1.10 DC: 13 RE: 0.69 MB: 0.77 $TPI: 163

Co-owned with Wieczorek Limousin & Hager Cattle Co. Semen $40. Contact Grassroots Genetics, 515-965-1458.

Co-owned with Hager Cattle Co.

Generations of

The Legacy and Future of Sennett

by Sarah Anne Johnson

Founded by Clarence Sennett in 1890, Sennett Cattle Company is now home to the family’s registered herd consisting of Limousin, Lim-Flex, Simmental-influence, Maine-Anjou and Charolais cattle. Sennett Cattle Company is a fifth generation cattle and grain farm operation located in Waynetown, Indiana. Lance and his wife, Margaret, along with their three daughters each play an integral part within the family farm—oldest daughter, Ellie and her husband, Tucker Schlipf, their middle daughter, Emily, and youngest daughter, Claire. The cornerstone of Sennett Cattle Company is their 250-head cow-calf herd and show cattle operation. Sennett Cattle Company also operates a roughly 1800-head feedlot program, a seedstock cattle herd, as well as their grain farming operation.

Lance’s father, Clark Sennett and his grandfather, Merle, are responsible for creating the pathway for the Sennett family to continue to grow throughout many generations. When Lance joined the family operation, he and his father established their herd of registered

Limousin cattle. “My dad got me into the Limousin breed in 1989. We have cows that are 16 years old around here. The longevity of the Limousin cows and everything that goes with that is why we believe in them,” Lance explained.

It wasn’t long after that, the oldest Sennett daughter, Ellie, exhibited her first Limousin calf at the age of five. The Sennett family later began selling their Limousin cattle to customers and that is when Ellie diversified with showing other breeds.

After taking a brief intermission from the breed, Sennett Cattle Company has made quite the return to the Limousin ranks. “Claire is the one who got us all back into the breed because she wanted a Limousin female to show,” Ellie remarked. “Now we are full force back in the Limousin breed.” Lance also currently serves as the Treasurer for the North American Limousin Foundation Board of Directors.

continued on page 30

(From left to right) Renei, Novalee, Jackie and Cody, Jason and Chevelle and Cydnie Jochim.

Clayton Main, Emily Sennett, Margaret Sennett, Ellie Schilpf, Tucker Schilpf, Lance Sennett and Claire Sennett

Cattle Company Excellence

continued from page 28

PUT YOUR HOOKS into some of the nation’s best black, polled Limousin

We have developed our herd with the needs of real world cattlemen in mind. Calving ease, performance, extra muscle and maternal traits have been a priority since the inception of our program and remain so today. We have proven genetics for top commercial and purebred producers alike.

We always have a quality selection of breeding-age bulls and replacement females backed by more than 35 years of breeding and selection. Call today.

Judy Bugher, 405/306-1315

Edna Manning, 405/306-1316

9700 Slaughterville Rd. • Lexington, OK 73051 Ranch Office: 405/527-7648 • email: hayhooklimousin@gmail.com

“We got back into the breed because Claire wanted to show a Limousin heifer, but then again these Lim-Flex and Limousin cattle have gotten really good in the past couple years. There are a lot of Limousin cattle taking supreme champion honors at a lot of shows and we’re at a good place with the Limousin breed. We’re making them high quality, good looking, good structured and they’re awesome cattle,” Tucker said. Today, Ellie and her husband, Tucker, work full-time for the family operation. Ellie has many different roles within both the cattle and farming operations. You will find her working cows, in the tractor planting or working ground in the spring or operating the grain cart in the fall and many things in between. “I am very involved in both sides of the operations and I truly enjoy both,” Ellie explained. Her husband, Tucker, is the herdsman of the cattle program. “I like to joke that I have three bosses in Ellie, Emily and Claire,” Tucker remarked.

continued on page 32

SSUL Melania 3419L ET is a new highlight donor for Sennett Cattle Company. She was the 2024 Grand Champion Lim-Flex Female in the NAILE junior show for Claire Sennett.

WWST The Comeback Kid 928K was the 2023 Grand Champion Limousin Bull at the NAILE for Sennett Cattle Company.

Keep Progress

Flowing

SPRING CREEKS Machete 7017M

CELL History Buff 0245H ET x Spring Creeks East Coast Purebred(87/77.5) • Homo Polled • Black • NPM3136615 Purchased by Musk Cattle of North Carolina.

At Spring Creeks Cattle Co., keeping progress flowing means always working to improve our cattle and our operation. As a seedstock business, we focus on raising high-quality animals with strong genetics that help our customers succeed. We make thoughtful breeding decisions, pay attention to what works and keep moving forward so each calf crop is better than the last. Progress here is steady, simple and built to last.

SPRNG CRKS Michelangelo ET

HUNT Credentials 37C ET x Wulfs Edwinna 7056E Lim-Flex(75/67.1) • Homo Polled • Red • LFM3134390

continued from page 30

The middle Sennett daughter, Emily, is a full-time nurse, but attends every cattle show with the family. “She’s our calm presence, she keeps everyone happy and she’s the one that keeps everything running smoothly when we’re at a show,” Ellie explained. The youngest daughter, Claire, is still a junior and exhibits their cattle all over the country. “Claire handles everything show heifer related. Mom is the brains behind both operations and she’s not afraid to work,” Ellie remarked.

The Sennett cowherd is as diversified as their entire operation. They currently have registered Limousin, Angus, Simmental, Charolais and Maine-Anjou cattle. Sennett Cattle Company’s main focus is to create high-quality cattle that are phenotypically elite. They want their cattle to be competitive in the show ring, but also go into production with genetic merit and performance focused traits. Sennett Cattle Company markets their show cattle as well as their breeding seedstock across the country. They also offer their top-end bulls and bred replacement females year round at the farm through private treaty.

continued on page 34

on the state and national level

The genetics found at Schilling Cattle have proven they can dominate at all levels. Our cattle have proven over the past 50 years that they excel in terms of combining phenotype, performance and profitable

Call today.

Current donor, LFCC It’s My Birthright 43H, was Third Overall at Junior Nationals and won the Open Limousin Show in Louisville.

With Founder Membership #3, our family has proudly been part of the Limousin breed’s journey in North America since the very beginning. For 56 years, we’ve remained committed to producing Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle known for calving ease, docility, performance and carcass merit—traits that deliver real-world results for our customers.

Our focus is simple: provide a consistent, high-quality product backed by integrity and unmatched customer service.

Sennett Cattle Company would not be what it is today without the entire family’s involvement. “We’re very much a family operation. We’re all involved in some capacity and we focus on making it about our family and still having fun,” Ellie shared.

Family has been at the center of Sennett Cattle Company from the very beginning. When asked to name a few people who have shaped their program into what it is today, without hesitation Lance remarked, “first and foremost my father, Clark. Without him we wouldn’t have anything. He and my grandfather, Merle, have both been the most instrumental in my life and my family’s.”

Among the long list of individuals who have influenced Lance and his program are Bill Couch, John Keffer, Donnie Robertson, Bruce Lawrence, Wendell Geeslin, Ken Holloway and many others. “You’re gonna make me cry. There are a lot of people in the top end of the industry that helped me in the cattle thing and made me who I am today,” Lance said.

The future is bright for Sennett Cattle Company and their involvement within the Limousin breed. “Right now we are focusing hard on getting back into the Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. We have been lucky enough to be part of some really cool donor cows and we’re pretty excited,” Tucker said.

The Limousin cattle at the Sennett’s farm are immediately noticed by everyone that walks through their pastures. “At the end of the day it’s about having good cows out in the pasture and when you look at all the breeds we’ve had and shown, our Limousin cattle stick out like

a sore thumb in a very good way because they make incredible cows that are great in production,” Ellie remarked.

One of the most meaningful accomplishments for the entire family was their win at the 2024 North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Claire exhibited the 2024 Grand Champion Lim-Flex Female in the junior show, SSUL Melania 3419L ET, a daughter of Silveiras Forbes and Ratliff Howboutit 008H ET. “That was a special win for us, we have never won the junior Limousin show, so that is near the top,” Ellie said.

Another special accomplishment for the family was that both sisters, Ellie and Emily, exhibited the Supreme Champion Female at the Indiana State Fair two separate times. Emily exhibited the 2020 Supreme Champion Female and Ellie exhibited the 2013 Supreme Champion Female.

“We’ve been pretty fortunate over the years and had a lot of good wins, but winning the Indiana State Fair twice and Reserve once, was special for me. Recently, the 2024 Louisville Junior Limousin Show win is hands down one of the most important win in my eyes. We’ve won the Louisville Open Show and Denver several times, but it took us 40 years to get that one done,” Lance reminisced.

Sennett Cattle Company also exhibited the 2023 Grand Champion Limousin Bull at the North American International Livestock Exposition, WWST The Comeback Kid 928K. He is sired by MAYC Gold Buckle 624G out of WWLU Hottie. WWST The Comeback Kid 928K is owned by Whitewater Limousin.

continued on page 36

SSUL Melania 3419L ET is a new highlight donor for Sennett Cattle Company. She was the 2024 Grand Champion Lim-Flex Female in the NAILE junior show for Claire Sennett.

DL Hosanna 526H... Making Her Mark

AS A CHAMPION... AND NOW AS A PRODUCER.

Hosanna is working well in our embryo transplant program. We urge you to contact us about her progeny, pregnancies and embryos we have available by some of the industry’s leading sires.

DL Leilani 22L

Grand Champion Owned Limousin Female, 2025 NJLSC

Grand Champion Limousin Female, Iowa Beef Expo

Sired by ELCX Kings Landing

Shown by Kyle Linhart, Leon, IA

KAKG She’s The One 408M

Grand Champion Bred & Owned Limousin Female, 2025 NJLSC

Reserve Grand Champion Owned Limousin Female, 2025 NJLSC

Sired by ELCX Kings Landing

Shown by Kylee Gaston, Eastland, TX

DL Lavender Haze 088L

Grand Champion Limousin Female, 2025 Fort Worth Junior Show

Reserve Grand Champion Exotic Female, 2025 San Antonio Junior Show

Champion Limousin Female, 2025 Houston Junior Show

Shown by Kylee Gaston, Eastland, TX • Owned with Davis Limousin

KAKG Lovely Lady Mae 303L

Division IV Champion, 2025 Fort Worth Open Show

Division IV Reserve Champion, 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress Junior Show

Shown by Kylee Gaston, Eastland, TX • Owned with Blaine Gibson

A special thank you to Red Rock Limousin of Gary, Texas, for purchasing a full sib pregnancy to this year’s National Junior Show winners in the Sale of Sales. We greatly appreciate your support.

Call anytime.

2022 Supreme Champion Female, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Her progeny dominated Limousin Junior Nationals this year!

Most recently, the Sennett crew had a banner week at the National Junior Limousin Show & Congress in Perry, Georgia. Claire Sennett exhibited the Grand Champion Lim-Flex Female in the owned show and Grand Champion Bred & Owned Lim-Flex Female with Sennett Maple 1M ET, a daughter of FWLY Can Do out of LFCC It’s My Birthright 43H ET.

The 5th Overall Limousin Female in the owned show was also shown by Claire. CELL Margot 4004M ET is a daughter of ELCX Kings Landing 599 D ET out of Riverstone Charmed. Claire also exhibited the Division VI Champion Lim-Flex female in the owned show with CELL 3354L ET, a daughter of Silveiras Style 9303 out of Riverstone Charmed. Claire rounded out a tremendous week being finishing 3rd Overall in the Intermediate Showmanship competition.

The Sennett family also raised the Division I Champion LimFlex female in the owned show. Sennett Miss Me 36M, a daughter of WWST The Comeback Kid 928K out of J6 Caitlin 275H ET, is owned by Alyssa Slimmer of Sabillasville, Maryland.

For Lance, there have been many individuals that have put their program on the map, but a few at the top of that list are the donors Sennett Heather, SLVL Sugar Cookie and DVFC Cookies Choice and the bull, EXLR Moderator.

“Most recently, our donor, LFCC It’s My Birthright 43H, known as ‘Birthmark,’ has been doing a great job for us the last two years. She was Third Overall at Junior Nationals and won the Open Limousin Show at Louisville,” Tucker said.

“We have some fall calves on the ground out of The Comeback Kid that will be featured in some upcoming sales as ‘The Comeback Kids.’ Comeback Kid really has us fired up to continue using him and incorporating him into the operation,” Tucker explained.

“That bull has always been really good looking and awesome bodied. He’s really good structured and good haired. He’s a bull we trust on heifers, but can still go out and the breed better cows in our program. Another unique thing about him is he’s a 52% Lim-Flex, so we can still go back on our Angus cows to breed, he’s so versatile,” Tucker remarked.

“The Comeback Kid calves are hitting the ground and we couldn’t be more excited about them. If you’re trying to raise neater looking cattle that stand out in a show ring and do so without sacrificing the basics of having the right kind of build and balance, we believe CBK should be on your short list of bulls to incorporate into your program,” Tucker said.

The new highlight donor for Sennett Cattle Company is SSUL Melania 3419L ET. “She’s one that we’re going to promote hard. Next year there will be a lot of calves out of her. She’s a very special cow,” Tucker said.

“We want to keep growing the Limousin side of the operation, let the kids take over and phase me out. It’s essentially theirs now and I’m here for moral support,” Lance said.

“Our focus for the next couple years will be showing high-quality cattle at a competitive level with Claire. After that, we want to go hard and potentially have a sale of our own where we can display our Limousin genetics along with our other breeds. Once Claire is done showing we intend to take our operation to the next level,” Ellie explained.

Your Source for Practical Fall-Born Limousin Genetics

Rooted in integrity and backed by service, Ferret Ranch has been committed to the Limousin breed from the very beginning.

Upcoming progeny from these powerful sires.

TREF Hardcore 204H

LFLC Zest 51Z

King’s Mantle 855K

GTMO Balfour 08B

GTMO Isle Of Skye 19J

191 Ferrat Lane • Toston, MT 59643 John, 406.949.7911 • Samantha, 406.949.0869 ferratranch@gmail.com • Find us on

Sennett Cattle Company not only has their Limousin cattle available year round privately, but they also offer Simmental influence, Maintainer, High-Maine and Charolais cattle. Sennett Cattle Company understands the importance of diversifying their offering with other breeds to market to their customers.

“What sets our operation up for success are the kind of cattle we try to build in our operation. Great cattle that are built correctly, have the basics in terms of balance and proportionality,” Tucker said. “If you have good cattle, you’re always going to be on the right side of things in terms of not trying to be out there in any specific way and that will always keep you relevant.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sarah Anne Johnson raises registered Limousin & Lim-Flex cattle with her fiancé, Coulton West in eastern Ohio. Together they own and operate West Ag, LLC. Sarah is a sixth-generation beef cattle producer and works as a Feed Sales Specialist for Purina Animal Nutrition. She has exhibited Limousin cattle on the state and national levels since the age of four and she served as a NALJA Board Member during her junior show career. Connect with Sarah at 614-266-2646 or sarah@limousin365.com.

A GRAND Week In GEORGIA

We look forward to campaigning this bull and are excited about his future. Watch for him at the major shows. We hope you will incorporate him into your breeding program.

OLD 24 MANHATTAN

DIVISION II CHAMPION

LIMOUSIN FEMALE

LLKT Maybelle 422M

Double Polled • Double Black

85% Limousin

S: SSTO Kash Money 204K

D: LLKT Kim 210K

DIVISION III RESERVE CHAMPION LIMOUSIN FEMALE

LLKT Magnolia 466M

Homo Polled • Double Black

89% Purebred

S: SSTO Kash Money 204K

D: LLKT Miss Emerald 733E

The Grand Finale

THREE FEMALES IN THE GRAND DRIVE.

This year’s National Junior Show marked the final junior show for the twins, Nikki and Jacob. They ended their careers with a bang as the family had three females in the grand drive of the Limousin show. It has been quite a ride and we are proud of the success they have had over the years. We look forward to Cole’s continued junior show career.

DIVISION VI 3RD BEST LIMOUSIN FEMALE

LLKT Loretta 349L

Double Polled • Double Black

81% Limousin

S: Ratliff Jump Start 340J

D: LLKT Miss Black Polled 049H

DIVISION II BRED & OWNED LIMOUSIN BULL

LLKT Mach 7

Polled • Homo Black

90% Purebred

S: ELCX Kings Landing 599 D

D: LLKT Miss Electra 719E

We want to extend a special thanks to Jon Freed of Freed Show Cattle, Fairbury, IL, for purchasing Jacob’s Bred & Owned Limousin Bull, Mach 7. We believe this bull has a bright future in their herd and greatly appreciate their support.

We thank all the volunteers and supporters who made this show a great event. We are proud of the success our cattle have had over the years and we urge you to check with us when you are in the market for Purebred show heifers and herd sires.

Call anytime.

Has U.S. Cow Herd Rebuilding Finally Begun?

By Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension

Beef

Outlook: Heifer numbers hit a five-year low in feedlots, pushing cattle prices even higher.

Cattle markets reached record levels through the first half of 2025, but the final push to even higher prices should come several months after heifer retention begins in earnest.

Anecdotal indications from producers and lenders, along with improved forage conditions in some regions, support the idea that heifer retention is underway.

Although available data remains limited, April’s figures revealed that heifers in feedlots experienced their largest percentage decrease relative to total feedlot inventories in the past five years. USDA reports in late July will provide more data on heifers in feedlots and midyear cattle inventories.

Feedlot placements in the six months through May were down 4.4% year over year, in part due to decreased heifer feeding, suggesting that feedlot production and cattle slaughter will continue to decrease in the second half of 2025.

If heifer retention occurs faster than it has in the past 18 months, cattle supplies will become noticeably tighter for the remainder of the year and into 2026.

Impact On Cattle Prices

In Oklahoma auctions, prices for 500-pound steer calves and 800-pound yearling steers increased about 18% in the first half of the year. Fed cattle prices increased 20% from the beginning of the year before peaking, at least briefly, in mid-June.

Still, cattle markets are slowing a bit for the summer.

At the end of June, both feeder and fed cattle markets appeared to pause in the rarified air of record price levels. Feeder and fed cattle markets retreated slightly in late June after live and feeder futures markets pulled back from early June highs due to rising global geopolitical tensions.

Cattle markets may move more sideways through the heat of the summer, but declining beef production and continued strong consumer beef demand suggests cattle markets have not fundamentally weakened.

The bulk of the cattle price increases for the year may have been in place by midyear, but feeder and fed cattle prices are expected to be steady to slightly higher for the remainder of the year, barring some major shock in global and U.S. economies.

It also depends on whether cow-calf producers are moving more aggressively toward heifer retention and herd rebuilding, which will provide additional support for cattle prices going forward.

Declining Beef Production

After surprisingly stable beef production in 2024 and into the first quarter of this year, beef production started to fall on declining fed slaughter in the second quarter of this year.

Total beef production was down just 0.2% year over year in the first quarter of 2025. However, through the first 10 weeks of the second quarter, beef production was down 4.3% year over year compared to last year.

Fed beef production was down 3.6%, the result of fed steer and heifer slaughter decreasing 5.8% year over year thus far in the second quarter. This combined with continued decreases in non-fed beef production (down 8.9% for the year to date) pushed wholesale beef and trimmings prices sharply higher through June, providing support for cattle prices.

Choice boxed beef cutout values likewise increased over 25% from the early March low through the end of June (see chart).

SOURCE: Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension

Your Partner in the Pursuit of Profitability

At Wieczorek Limousin, we’ve long recognized the Limousin advantages in feed efficiency aren’t the exception—they’re the rule, just like the latest findings in the NALF Research Study make clear.

– Lim-Flex and Limousin sired genetics deliver carcass quality comparable to Angus, while significantly reducing Yield Grade 4 & 5 carcasses.

– Maximizing Feed Efficiency: Limousin & Lim-Flex sired cattle consumed less feed per pound of gain while achieving similar or better carcass grades than Angus—resulting in lower cost of gain.

– Yield advantage: Limousin-influenced offspring performed exceptionally in the upper two -thirds of Choice, with fewer Yield Grade 4 & 5 carcasses and larger ribeye areas with less fat.

– Profitability Edge: Limousin and Lim-Flex influence equals more pounds of premium beef per pound of feed, improving economics across the value chain.

– Balanced Performance: These genetics blend Angus marbling with Limousin musculing and efficiency, minimizing poor yield grades while maintaining carcass quality and feed efficiency.

The feed efficiency data we have gathered on our ranch and on our genetics tell us the recent NALF research results are the rule and not the exception. We strive each and every day to enhance the genetics our customers rely on to pursue profitability.

Join us February 27, 2026 to see how the genetic advantage of Limousin can elevate your bottom line.

Quality and Consistency

Driving The Beef Business

by Nevil Speer

Wow, Just Wow!

It’s been an amazing six months for the beef industry. New market records on both the fed and feeder side of the business have everyone talking. But as I’ve noted in previous columns, what’s perhaps more impressive than any single record is the persistence and duration of better prices.

Apart from only four instances, the business has scored better weekly prices on a year-over-year basis since March 2021. Moreover, that’s occurring by a wide margin; June’s market average is nearly $40 better than last year. With that, it seems timely to review some of the principles covered earlier in the year.

Perspective

All that aside, some skeptics are determined to attribute the recent success to either inflation or tightening supplies. They dismiss the industry’s advancement and cling to some sense of nostalgia for 2014 and 2015, claiming those were the years that reflect the apex of business prosperity.

To test that assertion, detailing the inflation-adjusted fed market average versus fed beef production during the first six months

continued on page 44

The Future In Motion

We don’t chase trends—we set them. These sires are built for the future—where power meets predictability and performance pays.

L7 MAGA 4003M

Sold as Lot 1 in Peterson’s L7 Bar Annual Bull Sale

S: CELL Envision 7023E

D: Miss L7 325A

BW: 0.8 | WW: 71 | YW: 120 | MK: 20

RE: 1.47 | MB: -0.04 | $TPI: 89

Semen available through Grassroots Genetics

COLE Earning Power 11M

Sold as Lot 32 in Coleman’s Limousin Discovery Sale

S: COLE Earning Power 82H

D: COLE Miss Envision 1101J

BW: 1.2 | WW: 87 | YW: 140 | MK: 25 RE: 1.26 | MB: 0.17 | $TPI: 110

Big spread. Big potential. A true breed changer.

BCVF Mammoth F634M

Sold to Wulf Cattle in BCV 2nd Annual Bull Sale

S: VL Hunker Down 003H

D: BCVF Ferrari 634F

BW: 0.2 | WW: 92 | YW: 148 | MK: 21 RE: 1.55 | MB: -0.01 | $TPI: 152

A powerful Purebred with standout growth & carcass merit.

Semen available through Wulf Cattle

BCVF Maserati 231M

Sold as Lot 12 in BCV Farms

2nd Annual Bull Sale

S: Wulfs Genius 5293G

D: AUTO Gabi 231G ET

BW: 1.2 | WW: 84 | YW: 132 | MK: 26 RE: 1.03 | MB: 0.03 | $TPI: 87

Owner by Pryor Limousin, Cutler, OH

Donors That Define Us. Their influence continues to shape our program.

Wulfs Cartwheel 5209C

COLE Miss Xrated 354A

Official Publication of the North American Limousin Foundation

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405/260-3775 • Fax: 405/260-3766 www.Limousin365.com Publisher: L365

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NORTH REGION—Claire Hubbard 765/404-8458 • Claire@Limousin365.com

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L365 accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any photographs except those of the staff. L365 cannot be held responsible for the content of submitted advertising. Freelance Manuscripts & Photographs: L365 publishes news and educational material about Limousin cattle, of use to and about their owners. Contributors are invited to submit material of this nature. Preference will be given to material that is accompanied by photographs or appropriate illustrations. Manuscripts accepted for publication are subject to editing and revision to meet requirements for publication. Send manuscripts to: Editor, L365, 2005 Ruhl Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044.

continued from page 42

of each respective year, providing support. Several things are immediately evident:

1. Fed beef production in each of the past five years has surpassed any of the previous ten. In other words, during the past five years, the business has expanded. (A trend which counters anyone who asserts the business is shrinking and/or non-competitive.)

2. The regression line of the past five years is also steeper than the preceding decade. That is, the price/quantity relationship has changed – the change in fed steer price has proven more sensitive to changes in fed beef production. Again, countering any claim that the business has somehow become less competitive.

What If?

The regression lines allow for some comparison between 2025 and 2015. That is, what would the respective prices be if: 1) 2015’s production was equal to 2025’s? And 2) 2025’s production was equal to 2015? The point of the exercise is to highlight how different the business is today, versus just ten years ago (so much for market nostalgia of 2014 and 2015).

As a side note, through the first six months, total fed cattle revenue in 2025 marks the fifth consecutive year of improvement. Moreover, this year’s first-half total exceeds $37B, surpassing 2015 by nearly 55%. That’s equivalent to ~4.5% annual growth rate, easily beating any measure of inflation.

Question

Now, ask yourself what has changed during the past ten years? The business has NOT been influenced by any government intervention, i.e., 1) import limitations, 2) COOL, or 3) fed market mandate. Additionally, there have been no substantive changes at the CME or a shift in processor market concentration. So, what’s REALLY driving better fed steer prices on bigger volume?

Quality/Consistency

The one thing that really has changed is the quality grade mix. Just fifteen years ago, the production of Select versus premium quality grades (Prime and upper 2/3 Choice) was nearly equal. Now, in 2025, cattle achieving a premium quality grade represent nearly 45% of the slaughter mix, while those grading Select are running about 12%. In other words, the +/- difference between the two has surged to nearly +35% in favor of premium quality grades!

That’s making all the difference with consumers. One person recently noted to me that “marbling changed the beef demand equation with our consumers.” Precisely right: beef’s price/value relationship is better than ever, making the industry more competitive than ever. Consumers are responding accordingly – they’re voting for beef with their dollars. And in turn, that’s what’s driving the market.

At the end of the day, consumers ARE the business. And the dollars they’re spending are flowing back into the industry and ultimately rewarding producers like never before. Wow, just wow!

Stay Connected

A new way of staying connected is now at your fingertips. Say goodbye to remembering to check sale dates, times and updates. Instead, be notified when a sale opens or nears closing, bidding is extended, videos and catalog are posted and more. Staying updated on all things Limousin related is now in the palm of your hand. Sign up for text alerts today or contact us to see how your marketing efforts can benefit from text alerts.

A New Era Of Fencing

There was a time when miles upon miles of fencing didn’t cut across cattle country. Today, fencing takes up a large part of the country and a whole lot of time is spent on building and maintenance no matter the locale. As technology delves deeper into different sectors of agriculture, virtual fencing is rapidly changing the landscape of the cattle industry.

by Lindsay Humphrey

While most ranchers won’t directly connect to Taylor Swift, many of them are now in their “virtual fencing era.” It’s a tip of the hat to Swift’s wildly successful Era world tour that could be an indicator of how virtual fencing will take off in the coming years.

Virtual fencing has the potential to reshape livestock management and handling techniques while also redefining how producers interact with the land sustaining their herds. It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, but virtual fencing is here and it’s keeping real, live cattle safe and healthy.

Combining the power of GPS technology, wireless communication, behavioral science and boots on the ground experience, virtual fencing is an efficient and effective solution producers can use for managing their herd and their land.

Invisible Fence, Visible Benefits

Annually, an average of seven million acres are affected by wildfires in the U.S. Experts forecast that figure will rise to nine million acres by the end of 2025. Losing forage, fencing and structures is certainly devastating, but the lives, both bovine and human, are top of mind during any natural disaster. Virtual fencing could be the answer in these scenarios.

“Last year we had customers in Washington who were able to, first of all, find their cattle and then move them to the working pens so they could load them up and get them out of harm’s way as a wildfire approaced,” Allison Burenheide said about Merck Animal Health’s latest technology called VENCE. “They loaded those cattle up and got them out of harm’s way thanks to this technology.”

The daughter of a Colorado cattle rancher, Burenheide knows from first-hand experience, and multiple animal science degrees, the struggles producers face. Burenheide’s role as an associate director for VENCE strategic marketing and operations gives her an opportunity to become an ally for ranchers who are ready to take their operation to the next level.

“We’re still in the early adopter phase; it’s an emerging technology that began as a start-up in 2016,” Burenheide said. “I’ve noticed interest in the technology has grown significantly in the last year. There are more vendors coming into the market and people are seeing virtual fencing as a cost-effective tool.”

Someone who has used the technology for at least five seasons is what Burenheide considers a longtime user for VENCE. She’s

continued on page 48

While the collars are far from perfect, the latest version has a good track record of staying on cattle through various terrain and weather conditions. Photo courtesy of Merck Animal Health.

watched virtual fencing become an effective tool for management and handling while also saving time and money.

“One of our ranchers in Idaho used to spend up to six weeks combing the mountains for his herd every spring,” Burenheide explained.

“By using VENCE, he was able to locate his cattle and then progressively change the fence line to move the herd down the hill. This technology isn’t changing or doing away with the need for cowboys, it’s just making their work more efficient.”

How It Works

When something sounds too good to be true, that’s usually synonymous with a high price point. That’s not necessarily true when it comes to VENCE. Hard fence can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 per square mile. While VENCE isn’t free, it’s a very different line item on the expense spreadsheet.

“The real advantage to this technology is fencing off areas you want to heal or preserve, not just for rotational grazing.”

That rancher saved an estimated 250 hours in paid labor using the technology. He was also able to map out their grazing patterns and move them based on what the land needed and where he wanted his animals to be. That’s just one of the many benefits that comes with the unique design of virtual fencing.

Clay Burtrum

“The base stations are the largest capital investment, and they cost around $10,000 per station, but they can cover up to 7,000 acres and are built to last, at minimum, for 10 years,” Burenheide said. “Some of our existing base stations survived the hurricanes in Florida last fall and the harsh blizzards in Montana through the winter. Those stations are built for intense weather.”

Working off local cell tours, these base stations require zero service to communicate with the collars on each animal.

“I was asked by the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University to work on a pilot project using virtual fence on my herd of commercial cows,” said Clay Burtrum who owns Farm Data Services in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while also operating Burtrum Cattle, LLC, a cow calf and stocker operation just outside of town. “We’ve been working on this project for the last three years, before VENCE was even owned by Merck, and the biggest challenge we came across was keeping the collars on the cattle.”

Until new technology is tested in the field, for multiple years, it’s impossible to know how it will perform. That’s exactly why OSU and Burtrum were asked to work on this project.

“Technology takes time and in a research project, new technology is great, but you have to find a way to make it work,” Burtrum said. “One thing we learned was that it becomes challenging to keep the herd together if you lose 10 percent of the collars. Keeping the collars on was our biggest problem for quite a while.”

About the time Burtrum was ready to give up on keeping the collars on, Merck acquired VENCE and a new version of the collar changed everything. A new mechanism was used to keep the collars on. Weatherproofing the collars will be an ongoing process as the technology only gets better with time.

“The best part about this technology is that it’s always evolving and changing as our producers need it to,” Burneheide said. “We have some producers who are using the technology completely differently than they did in the first few years.”

Similar to a dog collar, the cattle collars are built to warn the animal when they’re getting close to the virtual barrier and when they’ve come to it. As they approach the fence, the collar will emit a noise and if they hit the barrier then the collar will emit a stimulus to their neck.

“The stimulus feels more like pressure than a shock, and it’s less than what an electric fence would do if they touched it,” Burneheide said. “Each collar is also equipped with a GPS so you can track your animals in real time. This is cool from a grazing perspective and has given people

continued on page 50

Much like a dog fence, virtual fencing for cattle operates off a collar system. Equipped with GPS, each collar is trackable in real time from quite literally anywhere in the world. Photo courtesy of Merck Animal Health.

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a lot of insight into where their cattle are going in a season.”

Collars come as a yearly subscription which currently runs $50 per head. That price includes the battery and if the collar isn’t functioning correctly, Merck will replace it. They’re also continuously updating the software and replacing collars as they roll out new versions.

“If you think about what it costs to hard fence enough acres for say 300 head, you’ll spend more money doing that than if you invested in VENCE,” Burneheide said.

Good Things Take Time

Right: Moving a fence is as easy as drawing a new circle on a map from a phone, table or computer. Information can be as customized as a producer wants or needs, depending on their goals for the technology. Photo courtesy of Merck Animal Health.

Left: Virtual fencing puts a lot of unique information in producer’s hands, which makes their job as livestock managers and land stewards much easier. Photo courtesy of Clay Burtrum

“If you’re looking at using a virtual fence, it’s important to establish your goals before you take the leap,” Burtrum said. “We’re using it on a Bermuda grass pasture with the goal of improving it. Normally, we have a three-paddock rotation, but we turned it into a six-paddock rotation with VENCE.”

Managing cattle access to specific areas can benefit both the land and the animals. Oklahoma experienced a particularly wet spring in 2025. Keeping cattle away from areas where water doesn’t drain as well would be extremely helpful in preserving those already lower grade grazing areas if animals stayed out of them until they dried some.

“The real advantage to this technology is fencing off areas you want to heal or preserve, not just for rotational grazing which is what I’m mostly using it for,” Burtrum said. “With a standard rotational grazing system, you need hot wire or panels to fence off those areas, but with VENCE I can just draw a circle on the map, and it’s fenced off. And then I can move them back to that area later.”

For the last 40 years, Burtrum’s family has been running an intricate rotational grazing system for their commercial herd. VENCE isn’t necessarily their saving grace, but it’s been the technology they didn’t know they needed.

As with any technology, there’s a learning curve. VENCE is unique because not only do the people have to learn how it functions and how they want to use it in their operation, but the cattle also need to adjust to it.

“We have a fantastic group of dedicated engineers as well as a rancher success team ready to help our customers long after they purchase VENCE,” Burneheide said. “Our rancher success team is based in the U.S., and they all have a background in agriculture, most of which goes back to cattle. We want people who know what ranchers are going through so that when someone calls, they have the best support they can get so they can get the most out of their VENCE system.”

With support staff at the ready, ranchers can get assistance setting up every single aspect of their system and as they use VENCE questions

will undoubtedly arise. The support is unwavering no matter what phase a rancher is in with their VENCE.

“One thing we have learned is that not all cattle are adaptable to the VENCE system,” Burtrum said. “Just like when a dog sees a rabbit, some cows break through the barrier. Some cattle just aren’t adaptable to a virtual fence system, and they need to go to a conventional herd.”

Knowing your animals and understanding cattle behavior is pivotal for the success and failure of virtual fencing. Driving by virtual fence with a feed truck, for example, is a sure-fire way to send cattle right through the barrier. That’s exactly why Burtrum emphasized understanding your goals before committing to the technology. That shouldn’t be a deterrent, if anything, it should be encouraging to anyone who wants to take a chance on this newer technology for their own herd.

“I’m a fan of virtual fencing but I’m certainly not ready to tear down my five-wire perimeter fence just yet,” Burtrum said. “It has some challenges to get through of course. Technology takes time and maybe in a few years producers will have this everywhere. It’s been a great project for us and I’m proud to be included in it and looking forward to what’s ahead for virtual fencing.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Lindsay Humphrey has been an agricultural journalist for the last 10 years. With two degrees in animal science to her name, Lindsay is a curious and proactive journalist driven by the everchanging industry of print and digital media and is excited for the future of storytelling.

Highlights from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

by Josh Maples, Mississippi State University Extension

From faster drought payments to permanent estate tax breaks, the OBBA reshapes agricultural policy for the next generation.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) was signed into law July 4 and included many provisions for agriculture. The nearly 900-page bill includes changes to programs affecting beef cattle producers, and I’ll highlight just a few of those updates here.

Increased Payments from Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) was modified to allow more financial relief during periods of severe drought. Some producers often refer to LFP as the “FSA drought program.” Previously, LFP provided one monthly payment for a D2 drought lasting eight consecutive weeks. Under the new updates, livestock producers are now eligible to receive two monthly LFP payments if their county experiences D2 drought conditions for 7 out of 8 consecutive weeks. Additionally, the program now triggers a single monthly payment after just 4 consecutive weeks of D2 drought during the grazing season. These changes are aimed at providing a faster drought response for producers relying on grazing. LFP is triggered at the county level.

Permanent Estate Tax Exemption

The OBBA makes permanent a federal estate tax exemption of $15 million per individual or $30 million per married couple. This offers relief to familyowned farms where the value of land, livestock, and other assets can often exceed cash in the bank. This helps to address the issue of heirs sometimes being forced to sell livestock or land just to cover estate tax bills when the farm is transferred to the next generation. This removes or lessens a major barrier to families wanting to keep farms intact across generations. Additionally, the OBBA makes the 20% small business tax deduction permanent.

Poultry Insurance Pilot Program

While this one is not cattle focused, I’m including it here because there are many cattle producers in the southeast who are also poultry growers. The bill directs the creation of a pilot insurance program for contract poultry growers, which would allow producers to opt into index-based insurance covering extreme weather-related utility surcharges (gas, electricity, water, etc.). The program must be developed in consultation with poultry industry stakeholders and deployed across enough counties in top producing states to effectively test demand, feasibility, and design. A formal policy or insurance plan must be approved within two years and would establish the first federal insurance framework protecting poultry operations from rising utility costs.

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Don’t Let an ROI Creep On By

Use these five key factors to decide if creep feeding pencils out on your operation this summer.

by Beth Reynolds, Iowa Beef Center Program Specialist

“Is creep feed worth it?” This is a common question extension beef specialists hear. Unsurprisingly, our answer is “it depends.” However, this summer, producers are facing record high calf prices, with moderate feed prices. That combination makes creep feeding an appealing prospect. For example, if creep costs $400/ton of dry matter delivered, and the calves realize a conservative feed to gain ratio of 9:1, the feed cost for adding one pound of gain is $1.80. Far less than the predicted $3.00 - $3.50/lb. for feeder calves this fall.

While each operation is unique, there are a few consistent factors to consider when determining if the benefits outweigh the costs: 1) Calf price and value of added weight; 2) Feed cost; 3) Feed conversion; 4) Labor; and 5) if calves are sold or retained to breed or feed. We’ll work backwards through these considerations.

5 - If calves are sold, bred or fed. For replacement heifers, feeding creep has shown to negatively impact mammary development and subsequent milk production when heifer calves gain 2 pounds a day or more. Heifer weight gain should be considered, especially for creep feeding periods that are over 30 days. If retaining calves through the finishing phase, creep feeding has shown a positive impact on final marbling scores. Additionally, creep feed is considered an effective option to ease the transition for freshly weaned calves starting on feed. On the flip side, non-creep calves will realize some compensatory gain after weaning compared to their creep fed counterparts.

4 - Labor (and other costs). Providing creep feed will increase labor to some extent. Rotational grazers need to move the feeder every continued on page 56

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continued from page 54

time animals are moved, in addition to the time required to fill the feeder. Even those with co-ops that deliver creep to the feeder will need to move the feeder to an accessible location for a feed delivery truck, which might not be ideal placement for the feeder in the pasture. All of these tasks take time, and the time needed should be valued adequately when determining the ROI of creep feed. In addition to labor, overhead for purchasing feeders, fuel costs moving feeders, maintenance costs, etc. should not be overlooked.

3 - Feed conversion. There could be a whole article on just this - and you still won’t feel like there’s a good answer. A plethora of studies have evaluated creep feed with feed to gain conversions ranging from 3:1 to 1:20. Generally, the higher quality the pasture being grazed is, the worse the performance response to creep feed. The calves that will perform the best when creep feed is offered tend to be those offered a high-quality creep on a low-quality forage base. In addition to the quality of the calves’ base diet, conversion will be dictated by the quality of the creep and calf age/weight. The makeup of the creep feed, whether it’s considered a high energy or a high protein feed also matters, and performance response will be directly influenced by how much of the most limiting nutrient in the base diet (milk + grass) is supplemented. For general planning purposes, using a 6:1 to 8:1 conversion for calves on creep for 60 days is reasonable and can be adjusted to fit different scenarios.

2 - Feed costs. This is the simplest part of the equation in terms of things a producer can influence. Work with your nutritionist or local coop to determine what feed options are available and what makes the most sense for you. Be sure to compare the costs of feed on a cost per pound of nutrient (CP or TDN) delivered. Also consider intake limiters so that you can better estimate and control how much calves will eat per day.

1 - Calf price and value of added weight. The general assumption is that creep feed is more valuable as calf prices increase. While this can be true, the big picture should account for discounts fleshy/ heavier calves may receive in addition to the added pounds, and compare the final price received per calf. Producers should compare the expected market price for calves receiving creep to those not receiving creep, accounting for the expected feed conversion and length of the feeding period. A projected value is needed regardless of if the producer is selling weaned calves, backgrounded calves, or retaining ownership through the feedlot or to breed.

Another consideration is pasture condition. Although creep feed will not relieve milk pressure directly as milk is more palatable than creep feeds, providing creep can offset the calves pasture consumption. Indirectly, this can help boost the quality and availability of grass for the dam.

Feed cost, calf performance, and long-term effects all come into play. To determine if creep feeding will provide a return on investment, a good cost of gain, plus other, non-financial costs and benefits need to be considered.

The economic results of the study highlights the economic advantages of utilizing Limousin and Lim-Flex® genetics for improved feed efficiency and carcass yield. Future industry demands will favor cattle excelling in combining adequate quality grade, feed conversion, superior yield grades and improved red meat yield.

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Best practices to safely graze and harvest sorghum species and prevent deadly cyanide poisoning in livestock.

by Shelby Gruss, ISU

Extension Forage Specialist and

Scott Radke, DVM, MS, DABVT Clinical Associate Professor

As we reach halfway through summer, many producers may be preparing to harvest or graze summer annuals. These annuals are valuable tools for mitigating the “Summer Slump” commonly experienced in cool-season pastures. Summer annuals, including forage sorghum, sorghum × sudangrass, and sudangrass, offer excellent forage options due to their drought tolerance, high yield potential, and nutritional value when managed correctly. However, proper management is essential to minimize the risks associated with prussic acid.

Prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide, is released when plant cells are damaged through chewing or mechanical actions, leading to the breakdown of the compound dhurrin into prussic acid. While other species, such as cherry trees, can also produce prussic acid, dhurrin is specific to sorghum species. Additionally, wild sorghum

weeds, such as johnsongrass and shattercane, can present significant toxicity risks. Understanding factors influencing prussic acid potential helps ensure safe forage use.

Prussic acid potential typically varies by species, with forage sorghum having the highest potential, followed by sorghum × sudangrass, and sudangrass with the lowest. Weed species like johnsongrass and shattercane also pose high risks. Varieties and hybrids within species can differ significantly; consult your seed dealer about specific varieties to manage these risks effectively.

Plant maturity and specific plant tissues also influence prussic acid levels. Younger plants (less than 18 inches tall) have elevated prussic

continued on page 60

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continued from page 58

acid potential, which decreases as the plants mature. Leaves contain higher levels of prussic acid compared to stems, with young leaves at the top of the plant having the highest concentration.

Environmental conditions further affect prussic acid potential. Frost events pose significant risks for producers, particularly in the Upper Midwest, by elevating prussic acid levels temporarily after a frost. Additionally, environmental stresses such as drought and high nitrogen fertilization can elevate prussic acid risks, although these conditions typically result in increased nitrate levels rather than prussic acid alone.

Proper management strategies can mitigate prussic acid risks, ensuring safe utilization of sorghum species as forage. Here are a few key guidelines:

• Do not graze plants until they are taller than 18 inches.

• Following a frost, remove animals and wait at least one week before grazing again. Each subsequent frost resets this waiting period until a killing frost occurs. After a killing frost, wait another week before grazing.

• Grazing poses the greatest risk since animals selectively graze young leaves. Thus, avoid grazing plants that are immature (<18 inches tall) or frost-stressed.

• Ensiling is considered one of the safest methods for using sorghum species, as chopping and ensiling processes can reduce prussic acid potential by 50% or more.

• While hay was historically believed to minimize prussic acid risk, recent insights suggest this may not be reliable. Therefore, ensure plants are taller than 18 inches and avoid harvesting immediately after a frost. Additionally, drying hay adequately in humid conditions is challenging, making other methods like ensiling preferable.

Following ingestion of forages that contain high concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides (CG), the onset of clinical complications is fairly rapid and is likely to occur within minutes to hours. Severe respiratory distress characterized by heavy, strained breathing may be observed. Anoxia within tissues as a result of the body’s inability to utilize oxygen may lead to ataxia and tremors with possible progression to seizures.

Provided these clinical signs, cyanide should be considered as a potential differential in cases involving neurologic signs and acute death. Although such signs may be observed, cattle are usually found dead due to the rapid nature of cyanide. The rapidity of onset is exemplified by cases in which cattle observed to graze such suspect forages have been reported to collapse and die after several steps.

Due to the acute nature of intoxication, lesions are not commonly observed. Hemorrhage around the heart is non-specific but has been noted in cases of cyanide intoxication. Bright cherry red blood and an almond odor emanating from the rumen are two observations commonly reported to be associated with poisonings. However, a diagnosis should not be solely based on these observations, or lack thereof. Determining if the blood is “cherry” red is entirely subjective in nature, and not all practitioners may be able to smell the odor in question.

In suspected cases of cyanide poisoning, blood, sealed frozen rumen content, and liver should be submitted for analysis. Laboratories should be contacted to determine whether or not testing is offered on these samples. Suspected forage should also be submitted.

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Ground Beef Spoilage Insights Revealed

K-State research challenges long-standing threshold used to determine meat spoilage.

by Madeline Drake, Kansas State University

Kansas State University meat scientist Travis O’Quinn and his research team have uncovered surprising results that challenge consumer’s long-held beliefs on what qualifies as “spoiled” ground beef.

Many people have sensory cues on what would cause them to throw a product away, including brown bananas, odor in milk and slimy deli meats.

“Within meat products, (spoilage) has been intimately tied with bacterial growth, a belief that if we reach a magical level of bacterial growth that the product is spoiled,” O’Quinn said. “When we look back at the literature, it is pretty shaky on where that idea of a certain bacteria level came from.”

With this information in mind, O’Quinn and his research team set out to learn more about what factors lead to considering ground beef to be spoiled.

In their study, retail ground beef packages were stored in a display case for 14 days. Throughout the display time, researchers asked a consumer panel if they would purchase the sample and whether or not they considered the sample spoiled.

While visually the ground beef followed the spoilage pattern that researchers thought it would—that is, it turned brown after 4-6 days—other traits told a different story.

“The challenge was when we looked at the other traits (related to spoilage), we didn’t really fail, ever,” O’Quinn said. “You would think that the meat would start smelling bad or tasting bad, but even at the very end of the trial we a had low percentage of our samples that tasted bad to consumers.”

In other words, O’Quinn said, the meat may look spoiled, but color is not a true determinant of a spoiled food product.

“Some of the key takeaways from this study are the idea that using microorganism growth or bacteria growth to reflect spoilage is not really as closely tied together as we have previously thought,” he said.

The findings may have implications in grocery stores and other retail settings where consumers are making purchasing decisions based on such factors as appearance, color and discoloration traits. O’Quinn said efforts to prevent spoilage in ground beef should focus on limiting and reducing color changes, since color changes in the first 4-6 days aren’t a true indicator that the product is spoiled.

“There are obviously next steps for us to continue to investigate, but this idea that bacterial growth alone drives spoilage of ground beef is not what our study showed.”

Bby Alison Jones NALF Director of DNA Processing & Accounting Operations

y now, hopefully most of you are wrapping up planting and breeding, and have made it home from a successful National Junior Limousin Show and Congress in Perry, Georgia. Before you know it, harvest and weaning will be upon us.

The National Junior Limousin Show and Congress completed its fourth year of hosting the Neogen Ultimate Show. The past four years have been an incredible opportunity not only for exhibitors to obtain genomically-enhanced EPDs on their animals at no cost, but also to relay the importance of genotype alongside phenotype to our youth. With cattle numbers dropping around the country, now is the time for the next generation to become involved in production agriculture.

The first question you may ask: Why genomically test cattle in the first place? When DNA information is available on an animal through genomic testing, the accuracy of EPDs is improved. Genomic testing, combined with pedigree, performance, and progeny data, helps provide the best estimate of an animal’s genetic merit as a parent. With increased costs in today’s business, genomics can provide a quicker way to add information about the genetic potential of an animal.

For example, you have a newly weaned bull calf that shows potential based on his pedigree and conformation. Genomically-enhancing his EPDs would be the same as adding more than 25 calving records, 22 birth weights, and over 25 weaning and yearling weights on his progeny. We would even have equivalents of stayability records on 15 of his daughters, all before he has even bred a cow. Prior to genomic DNA technology, we did not have a way to measure the productivity of a bull until his first calf crop was weaned. Now, with testing, combined with reporting phenotypic data, we can potentially save high input costs on an animal that will not meet your seedstock requirements.

With advancements in DNA technology, if we can know more about an animal that could add to our bottom line, why not test? It is important to identify where your herd excels, and where there is room for improvement. A heifer that comes back with a lower WW EPD than we would expect does not make her a bad heifer, but instead suggests that mating her to a calving-ease bull that also has above average growth numbers could improve her progeny for growth traits. On the other hand, a balanced set of numbers will not matter on a bull that is not sound enough to get around the pasture to breed cows. Look at genetics as another tool available to you to manage and market your cattle. By finding the balance between phenotype and genotype, you can better meet the demands of your customers. Remember, genomic testing does not take the place of reporting accurate weights and measurements!

Like it or not, genomics is the way of the future in the seedstock industry. Herds that have genomically-enhanced all their females and replacement heifers can see faster progress. According to the USDA, beef cow numbers in the U.S. are at a 70-year low. Beef prices continue to rise and live cattle prices are at an all-time high. It is critical now more than ever to capitalize on efficiency to meet the growing beef demands of our population. As a seedstock producer, you owe it to your customers to provide the best products you can to assure the success of your program, your customer’s programs, and the entire beef industry.

The next five years will be imperative for the seedstock industry. Now is the time to either get on board with genetic progress, or let it pass you by and fall into mediocrity. I encourage you to ask questions and explore the resources available to you. I am a phone call away and ready to talk bulls and genetics.

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JUNIOR SCENE

by Boone Begert NALJA President

Ihope this finds everyone doing well and having a great end to their summer. I would like to thank the Tennessee, Georgia and Florida state associations for hosting a great Junior Nationals in Perry. The facilities, accommodations, food and even the gnats contributed to a fun-filled week in Georgia.

A big thank you also to all of the exhibitors and their families for making the week a highlight of 2025. Also, I would like to give a shoutout to Mark, Tammy, Alison, George, Alex, Kiley, my fellow board members and a special welcome and thank you to Tatum Swink. She is a wonderful addition to the NALJA team and we look forward to working with her in the future.

The NALJA Board and myself are honored and excited to work for the membership and will be available for any questions, suggestions

2025-2026 NALJA BOARD

PRESIDENT, Boone Begert.................................................... Allison, TX boonebegert23@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT, Shane Kendall Magnolia, NC skendall3795@mail.sampsoncc.edu

SECRETARY, Turner Sanders Huntington, TX turnersanders05@gmail.com

TREASURER, Wyatt Jacoby Paradise, TX circlejlimousin@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR, Brandt Gazaway ......................... Stillwater, OK gazawaybrandt@gmail.com

EX-OFFICIO, Eliza Truel ..................................................... Skiatook, OK entruel@gmail.com

DIRECTOR, Cora Burns ............................................................ Macy, IN rdraccc@yahoo.com

DIRECTOR, Bailey Haddon Reelsville, IN mhaddon@ymail.com

DIRECTOR, Kason Kiser Lufkin, TX kdk1818@yahoo.com

DIRECTOR, Samantha Pecco ................................................. Ewing, KY autumn.pecco@bnsi.com

DIRECTOR, Corbin Robbins ....................................... Chattanooga, OK lonirobbins@gmail.com

and comments as we strive to keep improving the association and promoting the Limousin breed.

We will be meeting this Fall to get started planning next year’s Junior National Show and Congress in Ohio. It is an honor to serve as your President this year and get to work alongside this amazing Board of Directors.

I hope you all have a great start to this coming school year!

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

At Hunt Limousin Ranch, our legacy is rooted in faith, family and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way—both in life and in livestock. Since 1979, we have poured our hearts into building genetics that work for real cattlemen and women—cattle that are functional, fertile and backed by integrity.

This year, we celebrate more than cattle. We celebrate the next generation. As our daughter prepares to run at the collegiate level and pursue a career in nursing, we’re reminded that hard work, grit and grace are the cornerstones of everything we do on the ranch and beyond.

We invite you to be part of a program where values matter and cattle are built to perform. Whether it’s bulls, females or genetics that deliver, HUNT cattle are prepared for the long run.

HUNT LIMOUSIN RANCH

Charles & Nancy Hunt

Dan, Melinda, Jenna, Adeline & Houston Hunt 10329 Hwy. 136 • Oxford, Nebraska 68967 308/991-3373 (Dan) • 308/920-1120 (Charlie) huntlimo@huntlimousin.com WWW.HUNTLIMOUSIN.COM PRIVATE TREATY CATTLE FOR SALE YEAR-ROUND

SALES & EVENTS

Bred Females Ready to Work

Offering includes

Bulls

Built for the Long Haul

Raised slow and right — primarily sold as two-year-olds — our bulls are sound, quiet, and ready to cover cows. Backed by data, priced on value, and guaranteed for their first breeding season.

Afton, Iowa 50830

Phone: 641-782-3770 or 641-340-1676

Website: longandsonscattle.com • Facebook: Long and Sons Limousin Email: longandsonslimousin@gmail.com

DeRon Heldermon 405/850-5102 deron@limousin365.com

FAMILY MATTERS

ALL ABOUT COW FAMILIES

FAITH COMES FIRST ALL ABOUT COW FAMILIES ALL ABOUT COW FAMILIES TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

CUSTOMER RELATIONS MAT TER

GROUN DED BY OUR FAITH FAITH COMES FIRST

CHECK YOUR BRAND AT THE AND THINK ‘BREED’ FIRST DOOR

TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED PROVEN AND PREDICTABLE GENETICS

THE NEXT GENERATION

BUILT ON FAITH FAMILY MATTERS

CAN’T RUN A BUSINESS WITHOUT OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED FAITH COMES FIRST TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED THE NEXT GENERATION

CHECK YOUR BRAND AT THE DOOR AND THINK ‘BREED’ FIRST

CHECK YOUR BRAND AT THE DOOR AND THINK ‘BREED’ FIRST

FAITH COMES FIRST ALL ABOUT COW FAMILIES BACKED WITH INTEGRITY

THE NEXT GENERATION

THE NEXT GENERATION