February 12, 2008

In this issue …
Friday is key date in LIMS
Tips for online recording
Bull Listing Service includes 735 head … and counting
Online directory is affordable, worldwide exposure
Another benefit of transfers: the Bottom Line
ET calves’ dams, sires must be verified
Coat-color testing at GenMARK requires complete ID
Ultrasound time? Keep a few things in mind
Start planning for summer’s junior events
NALJA benefits from annual assessment
Lim‑Flex bulls added to ’08 NJLSC
Show animals usually need papers
Service, checkoff fees can be paid with registrations
Limousin merchandise is effective local promotion
BIF conference heads north
Grassroots publicity starts with e‑mail addresses
What’s news?
Limousin sales, events

Friday, Feb. 15, is the deadline for three important events within the Limousin Inventory Management System (LIMS):

• no-progeny reporting for spring 2007 cows;
• optional heifer-retention reporting for fall-2006–born females; and
• enrollment of spring 2008 cows.

Tools for accomplishing those tasks are available in the secured, members-only portion of the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) Web site. You can access them by logging into the member site then clicking the LIMS button at the top of any page.

LIMS allows NALF members to lower their costs of doing business with their association. At the same time, they can contribute more complete and comprehensive production information that will help better position the breed for future improvements via more accurate expected progeny differences (EPDs). Members choosing the voluntary, Web-based system pay an annual fee of $15 per active cow and, in turn, are entitled to record, register and transfer the year’s calves.

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When submitting data via the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site, never use your browser’s “Back” button. That can corrupt your data, requiring you to restart your entries completely. If you want to view another page of animals, use the “Prev” and “Next” links at the top or bottom of the page.

To move quickly through your inventory while registering animals, use the “Find Dam Now” tool, which is in the middle of the page – just above your inventory. It allows you to work through your calving records one cow at a time, and it will bring the dam’s record to the top of the page.

If you are experiencing frequent internal server errors while you are on your member site, some settings changes in your Web browser might help.

• Add www.nalf.org to your list of trusted sites.
• Set your browser to check for newer versions of stored pages on every visit.

Restart your browser after making those settings changes to ensure they take effect. If the errors continue, send an e‑mail message to webmaster@nalf.org that includes the date and time of the error and what you were doing.

Remember, you must screen for errors before you will be allowed to submit data. If you do not go through that process, NALF will not receive your data. Once you have resolved all errors, click the “Submit to NALF Now” button, then accept the terms and conditions. Your data is not sent otherwise.

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At last count, the Limousin Exchange Bull Listing Service offered 735 head for sale in a searchable database on the NALF Web site. Both private-treaty and public-auction sale offerings are included.

NALF directs bull buyers to the Limousin Exchange through its advertising and staff members’ personal contacts. Potential customers can search for herd-sire prospects by directing their browsers to the NALF home page and clicking the “Limousin Exchange: Bull Listing Service” link. They then can identify a variety of criteria to obtain information about the bulls that fit their specifications. They can sort the results according to specific traits.

Breeders easily can add bulls to the Bull Listing Service using the secured, members-only portion of the NALF Web site. Once logged in, click the “List Bulls for Sale” link. The service is virtually free because NALF credits the $5 listing fees toward bulls’ eventual transfers.

In addition, the “Females for Sale” component of the Limousin Exchange works just like the Bull Listing Service.

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It is time to add or renew listings in the NALF online member directory, which is a great resource for customers seeking Limousin cattle or services in your area. The Limousin Exchange also links to the listings, making it easy for bull and female buyers to obtain your contact information when their online searches find your animals.

Members are listed in the online directory by subscription ($10 per year or $35 per year if you want a hyperlink to your own Web site). Those already included soon will receive invoices for their 2008 listings. NALF must receive payment by May 1. Members who would like their listings removed from the member directory should contact Mary Zilk in the NALF office immediately.

If you do not have an online listing yet, add your enterprise by clicking the directory’s “Register” button, complete the form, and click “Submit.”

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There are many reasons to transfer ownership of the bulls you sell this spring. Among them is the quarterly Bottom Line newsletter, which goes to all commercial producers who have had a bull transferred to them in the last three years. Besides each issue’s current information about the Limousin breed and what it provides to the beef industry, the mailing panel credits the active NALF members whose transfers triggered the “subscription.”

Note: When transferring animals, be sure to include the buyer’s full name and address. Existing NALF member or customer numbers also are helpful, but they are not enough. Complete information not only guarantees your customers receive the Bottom Line, but it also ensures NALF can process the transfer correctly.

Promote your enterprise further by placing a “Breeder Spotlight” advertisement in the publication, which mails to nearly 11,500 addresses. For just $350 per year (four issues), you can speak directly to commercial cattle producers nationwide. Contact Frank Padilla in the NALF office to reserve your space.

If you want to add customers or influencers (such as veterinarians, feedyards, auction markets and Extension agents) to the Bottom Line mailing list, share their contact information with Bo Sexson in the NALF office.

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Breeders must provide DNA case numbers (not blood-typing case numbers) for both the sire and dam on the DNA-typing form when they submit a DNA sample from an embryo-transfer (ET) calf for parentage verification. Before collecting and mailing samples from ET calves to MMI Genomics, contact the NALF office to verify the sires and dams have been DNA-typed and to obtain the proper case numbers.

Keep in mind the laboratory can run parentage, coat-color and polled tests for a single animal from one FTA card.

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GenMARK, which is one of the laboratories that does DNA testing for coat color in cattle, sends electronic updates to the NALF office on a monthly basis for all Limousin cattle tested for coat color. Although that service enhances NALF’s ability to add coat-color test results to an animal’s permanent record in the herdbook, many of the animal identifications (IDs) reported to GenMARK are not complete.

Provide the laboratory with either complete registration numbers (including prefixes) or complete tattoos (including herd prefixes, ID numbers, birth-year letters and sexes) for the animals you test. If NALF does not have complete ID information for an animal, it is impossible to record its test results.

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Here are some reminders for those who are ultrasound-scanning this spring.

• Order your barnsheets from the NALF office at least two weeks before your scanning session. Not only do barnsheets help to ensure animal-ID information remains attached to the ultrasound data, but they also help avoid processing delays.
• The acceptable age range for scanning is 300 to 450 days. That range differs from the one used for other yearling traits, which is 330 to 450 days.
• NALF cannot provide adjustments, ratios and EPDs for animals that are not in its herdbook. Animals must be registered or recorded for performance only to provide the sire, dam, date of birth, percent Limousin and other information required for processing ultrasound data.
• NALF cannot provide adjustments and ratios for animals with missing weaning dates and weights because ultrasound measurements are adjusted for their postweaning gains per day of age.
• For NALF to use an animal’s performance data to calculate its EPDs, the animal must be in a contemporary group with at least one other animal. NALF forms ultrasound contemporary groups using an animal’s yearling contemporary group (or weaning contemporary group if yearling information is missing), scan-lot date and scan-management code.
• If you would like NALF to record an animal’s scan weight as its yearling-weight observation, contact the home office. You must take the scan weight, however, when the animal is 330 to 450 days of age and at least 140 days after you measure its weaning weight. You must take all other yearling measurements, such as scrotal circumference and hip height, on the same day as the scan weight.

For additional information regarding ultrasound scanning, refer to NALF’s Guide to Ultrasound.

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Start planning now for this summer’s junior events.

• May 1 – Early deadline for the Eastern Regional Junior Show, June 19–22, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
• May 1 – Early deadline for the Heartland Regional Junior Show, July 11–12, Sioux Falls, S.D.
• May 1 – Early deadline for the Western Regional Junior Show (dates to be determined), Klamath Falls, Ore.
• May 15 – Early deadline for the National Junior Limousin Show and Congress (NJLSC), July 13–18, Sioux Falls, S.D.
• June 10 – Late-entry deadline for the NJLSC

The South Dakota and Minnesota Limousin breeders will host the “Trail to Excellence” 2008 NJLSC. The Sheraton Hotel in Sioux Falls will be the headquarters. To book, modify or cancel reservations, call (605) 331-0100 or visit www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/NALJA on the Web.

The overflow hotels are the Ramada Inn, (605) 336-1020, or the Sleep Inn, (605) 339-3992.

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The winter issue of NALJA News mailed just after Thanksgiving, along with a notice requesting payment of the 2008 junior activity fee. All revenue generated from the activity fee goes directly to the North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) to help fund its programs, services and events. The $15 fee is due March 15. NALJA members who do not pay by that date will incur an additional $15 late fee ($30 total due).

Submit your activity fee promptly to ensure you can take advantage of all NALJA programs and services in the new year. It also is required for you to enter and participate in the regional and national junior shows next summer.

Juniors, if you did not receive your newsletter and fee notice, contact the NALF office.

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At the 2008 NJLSC, juniors will have a new opportunity to exhibit Lim‑Flex® bulls. To qualify for entry, junior exhibitors must have bred and own the bulls, which must have purple registration papers from NALF. The Lim‑Flex bull show will follow the Lim‑Flex female show.

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NALF members are reminded that they often will need registration papers to enter or show animals in upcoming cattle shows and exhibitions. Depending on the circumstances, the NALF office will need at least three working days to get papers into members’ hands. Do not wait until the last minute to request paperwork.

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The NALF Show Committee will accept nominations for the approved judges list until June 30. Active annual and lifetime members can send them to Lorrie Taylor in the NALF office via mail, fax or e‑mail. Provide your member number or herd prefix and the nominee’s address and phone number. The Show Committee will vote on the nominees at its July meeting, which will be in conjunction with the NJLSC.

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The annual member service plan will save money for those likely to register three or more calves this year. If you are not sure if you are current with your fees, call the NALF office. You can pay the annual fee when you submit registrations; simply indicate part of the payment is for member services. Participation provides access to the members-only portion of the NALF Web site (which offers a host of data-submission and animal-information services) and copies of the quarterly Bottom Line newsletter for you and your customers.

While you are checking on your service-plan status, also ask about participating in the voluntary commercial marketing checkoff. In that program, NALF automatically bills a $4 per head fee to participating member accounts when animals are registered. You may change your checkoff-enrollment status at any time.

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Posters featuring the “Fight Fat, Flat & 4s” message are available free of charge from the NALF office. They offer space for your own information and are great to hang at the local auction market and livestock events. To request yours, contact Erica Clark in the NALF office.

A new, more affordable line of farm signs, vehicle magnets, banners and short-term signage is available via the “Promotional Merchandise” section of the NALF Web site. You also can order personalized, full-color business cards. Contact Brad Parker or Mary Zilk in the NALF office to place your customized orders.

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The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) works to establish accurate and uniform procedures for measuring, recording and assessing data with respect to beef-cattle performance. The organization’s annual meeting and research symposium is North America’s leading forum for discussing and determining guidelines for genetic improvement and evaluation programs. It also highlights genetic advancement and innovations in beef production.

For the third time in its 41-year history, the BIF conference will be in Canada, June 30–July 3. Organizers expect more than 500 beef producers, leading genetic researchers and innovators, feedyard operators, and other service providers involved in the global cattle industry to gather in Calgary, Alberta. The conference theme “Beef Beyond Borders” reflects the importance of sharing globally both the product and the science.

Visit the conference’s Web site for full program details, online registration and hotel reservations. An early-registration rate is available until March 31.

Note: You must have a valid passport to re-enter the United States from Canada.

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NALF needs your help to get Limousin news to your grassroots publications. If you have not already, share your local newspaper’s name, city, state, phone number and editorial e‑mail address with Brad Parker in the NALF office.

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NALF has issued the following news releases since the last issue of Partners:

• Jan. 31 – NALF Celebrates 40th Anniversary by Recognizing Longtime Members
• Jan. 31 – New Limousin EPDs Available
• Feb. 1 – Colorado Enterprise Is Limousin Commercial Producer of the Year
• Feb. 4 – Schott Limousin Ranch Is Commercial Marketing Booster

Limousin news releases are archived in the Web site’s “What’s New” section. NALF encourages its members to share them with their local news outlets.

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Feb. 13 • Iowa Beef Expo Limousin Sale, Des Moines, IA
Feb. 16 • GV Limousin Annual Production Sale, Garnett, KS
Feb. 16 • Illinois State Limousin Ass’n Sale, Congerville, IL
Feb. 17 • R&R Acres Seventh Annual Beefmaker Limousin Bull Sale, High River, AB
Feb. 22 • Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Limousin Sale, Kearney, NE
Feb. 23 • Ratliff’s Cherry Creek Farms Annual Sale, Westphalia, KS
Feb. 25 • Lonely Valley Limousin 17th Annual Production Sale, Creston, NE
Feb. 25 • Coleman’s HC Limousin Annual Bull Sale, Missoula, MT
Feb. 28 • Symens Brothers 28th Annual Limousin Sale, Amherst, SD
Feb. 29 • Wieczorek Limousin 28th Annual Limousin Bull Sale, Corsica, SD
March 1 • Elmwood Limousin 18th Annual Production Sale, Sterling, CO
March 1 • Kentucky Beef Expo Limousin Sale, Louisville, KY
March 6–7 • Express Ranches Bull & Commercial Female Sales, Yukon, OK
March 7 • Tennessee Beef Agribition Limousin Sale, Murfreesboro, TN
March 7 • Richmond Ranch 11th Annual Grass Country Bull Sale, Rumsey, AB
March 8 • Lone Star Shoot-Out & Solid Foundations Limousin Sale, Houston, TX
March 8 • Kervin–Hall–Coyote Hills Ranch Limousin & Lim‑Flex Bull Sale, Chattanooga, OK
March 8 • Top Meadow Farms Western Division Bull Sale, Flintoft, SK
March 8 • Limousin Breeders of the Carolinas Spring Sale, Anderson, SC
March 9 • 18th Annual Wisconsin State Limousin Sale, Sparta, WI
March 9 • Heart of Oklahoma Limousin Ass’n Annual Spring Sale, Shawnee, OK
March 9 • O’Brien Annual Bull Sale, Jane, MO
March 12 • Express Ranches Honor Roll Heifer Sale, Yukon, OK
March 13–14 • Ohio Beef Expo Limousin Show & Sale, Columbus, OH
March 14 • Schott Limousin Ranch 25th Annual Bull Sale, Mobridge, SD
March 15 • Dakota Connection Annual Sale, Bismarck, ND
March 15 • Pinegar Limousin Herdbuilder XIV Sale, Springfield, MO
March 15 • Highland Stock Farms Bull Sale, High River, AB
March 16 • Green Springs Bull Test, Nevada, MO
March 17 • Hager Cattle Co. Bull Sale, Bismarck, ND
March 18 • Potterosa Limousin Farms Progress Thru Performance Sale, Redwood Falls, MN
March 20 • Great Northern Bull Sale, Glasgow, MT
March 22 • Lakeview Farms Annual Club Calf Sale, Arab, AL
March 28 • Wulf Limousin Farms Opportunity Sale of 2008, Morris, MN
March 28 • Pennsylvania Bull Test Sale, Rock Springs, PA
March 29 • GrandView Farms & Guests Production Sale, Mount Sterling, KY
March 30 • Magness Land & Cattle Limousin & Lim‑Flex Bull Sale, Miami, OK
March 30 • East Central Limousin Spring Sale, Seminole, OK
March 30 • Missouri 2008 Showcase Sale, Springfield, MO