November 8, 2007

In this issue …
Week left to submit data for EPDs
Registration pays 25-to-1
Voluntary fees support services, marketing
Louisville shows to be webcast

The deadline to submit data for the next international Limousin genetic evaluation is Thursday, Nov. 15.

Birth, weaning and yearling performance data are necessary for reliable expected progeny differences (EPDs), and breeders’ data are the raw material from which the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) computes genetic predictions. Members with carcass data for groups of pedigreed Limousin or Limousin-influenced cattle are encouraged to submit them, too. The breed’s competitive advantages, genetic improvement and ability to meet commercial customers’ needs all depend on breeders’ data collection and submission.

Without breeders’ submissions, the new “Performance” section of an animal’s pedigree page on the NALF Web site will display many blanks and “N/As,” which detract from marketing efforts. The deadline also is important for producers of Lim‑Flex® progeny from Angus or Red Angus parents that are not in the NALF herdbook yet. Without the data, their EPDs will not be available for winter show programs or spring marketing materials.

To facilitate reporting, preprinted forms are available free of charge by calling the NALF office. Active members also can use the online recording tools.

New EPDs will be available around Jan. 1, 2008. NALF will post the spring sire summary in the “Genetic Evaluation” section of its Web site soon after.

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It pays to brand with NALF registration.

• Registered animals are worth more. A Colorado State University (CSU) study demonstrates commercial buyers pay $437 more for registered Limousin and Lim‑Flex bulls. That is a 25-to-1 return on the average $17.50 NALF registration fee.
• Registration verifies seedstock with reliable pedigrees, performance data and EPDs.
• Registration enables comprehensive breed marketing, progressive research and a variety of member services.
• Registrations are the lifeblood of breed success.

Registration pays so register your calves now.

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Those who participate in the annual member-service plan may register animals at half the inactive-member rates; enjoy free access to the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site; and activate complimentary subscriptions to the quarterly Bottom Line newsletter for themselves and their bull customers. If you have not already, activate your membership benefits by submitting your fee anytime during the plan year.

To generate additional resources for commercial marketing, the NALF Board of Directors instituted a voluntary checkoff last year. NALF automatically will bill the $4 per head fee to participating member accounts when animals are registered. Enrollment is easy – just contact the NALF office. You may change your checkoff-enrollment status at any time.

More than 1,100 members have paid their 2007–2008 service fees so far, and 60 have enrolled in the commercial marketing checkoff.

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For those who cannot attend this year’s North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) or just want to enjoy the show from home, the official NAILE Web site will broadcast live video of many of the livestock competitions for free. Anyone interested can simply log in and select a camera to watch the action.

The Limousin junior show will be after noon Sunday, Nov. 11. The Lim‑Flex and Limousin open shows start at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the east ring.