Marketer’s Special   •   March 20, 2008

In this issue …
More than 700 bulls offered on Limousin Exchange
Worldwide exposure starts at $10
LimMark tags create sky-high breed recognition
Downloads, labels make sale catalogs easier
Bottom Line helps spread the marketing message
Promotional items are great local advertising

So far this spring, the Limousin Exchange Bull Listing Service has offered more than 700 head for sale in a searchable database on the North American Limousin Foundation (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 much 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 have received 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 directory listing yet, add your enterprise by clicking the directory’s “Register” button, complete the form, and click “Submit.”

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One of the lessons from the Limousin Visions Symposium was to build the breed’s brand equity. Part of that is getting Limousin-influenced animals recognized when they perform well in commercial settings. To that end, NALF has teamed with Allflex USA to provide a simple, flexible marketing program for Limousin-influenced feeder calves and replacement females. The LimMark tagging program aids Limousin customers in identifying their cattle and positioning themselves for greater returns by coupling reputable genetics with documented information.

Commercial producers may order up to 50 LimMark ear tags for every registered and transferred bull that is at least half Limousin. NALF will verify those requirements when producers place orders using their unique customer numbers, which are printed on their Bottom Line mailing labels and transferred bulls’ registration papers.

Limousin breeders also can order tags to provide with their sale bulls.

The sky-blue tags are available from NALF, and producers can order visual tags only or match them with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. Producers may choose preprinted tag numbers that include the appropriate year-letter code or blank tags for handwritten numbers.

The LimMark program and participation requirements, enrollment form, tagging instructions, and EID (electronic identification)-number lookup are available in the “Programs” section of the NALF Web site. For more information or to order tags, contact Bo Sexson in the NALF office.

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NALF can make producing and distributing your sale catalog much easier with a sale download and labels.

A download provides your sale animals’ most current expected progeny differences (EPDs) and adjusted measurements, including weaning weight, yearling weight and scrotal circumference. Ten formats offer different combinations of extended pedigree, performance data, scan data and other information; and the download can follow your exact sale order. The NALF office will e‑mail the information to you or directly to your catalog printer. Downloads cost $2 per animal.

NALF also can provide address labels for your fellow members. The list can include several search criteria, including membership class; state; postal code; and purchase, sales or transfer history. For 25¢ per address, NALF will send either printed labels or an electronic file.

To take advantage of either service, contact Lorrie Taylor at the NALF office.

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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 an animal, be sure to provide 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 11,000 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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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 posters or promotional literature, contact Erica Clark in the NALF office.

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