Darron and Jeannia Uhl of Battle Creek, Iowa, were selected as the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) “Commercial Producer of the Year” for 2024. The award was presented at the NALF Award Ceremony and “Genetics on Ice” Beneit Auction January 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Hotel. This took place in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Uhls have been farming, feeding cattle, and operating a cow herd since 1996. They run a 200 head commercial cow Angus crossbred herd and feed 1,000 head annually. Over the years, the operation has grown to about 2,000 crop acres.
They try to purchase the numbers they need in addition to their own home raised calves. When possible, they purchase Limousin crossed calves. The Uhls purchase their bulls from Leonard Limousin of Holstein, Iowa.
They market their home raised calves at 1,500 pounds at 16 months of age. They strive to hit a Yield Grade Choice 1 with 65-66% yield. Feed conversion is a major consideration, and they only purchase bulls that have feed conversion of at least a 5 lb. to 1 lb. (grain to gain). They also select bulls with an EPD YWT higher than 130 and an actual rib eye at 12 months larger than 16.” They sell directly to Cargill in Schuyler, Nebraska. All of the calf crop is sold as finished cattle, mostly on the grid.
The Uhls strive to maintain 95 % of the calf crop that will weigh over 700 lbs.at seven months of age. In the next few years, they will try to expand their home raised herd to 300 cows because their two sons are interested in joining the operation.
The number one priority for Darron is weaning weight plus final harvest weight. They are cognizant of docility as the behavior of the calf contributes to higher weight gain. Darron said that Limousin bulls have always been easy to work with, and in the 30 years using Limousin bulls, we’ve never experienced a bull with a belligerent attitude. The Uhl family relies on records for analysis in determining their following year’s herd.
Darron is a member of the Iowa and Ida County Cattlemen’s Association, and he has served in various service positions within their church. The Uhls were nominated for this prestigious award by Mark Leonard, Leonard Limousin of Holstein, Iowa, and the Iowa Limousin Association.
Congratulation’s to the 2023 NALF Commercial Producer of the Year, Darron & Jeania Uhl, attle Creek, IA.
Limousin cattle deliver to your bottom line. With superior genetics, a simple crossbreeding plan and state-of-the-art selection tools, the Limousin breed will serve profit-minded cow/calf producers. In today’s competitive markets, taking advantage of all available opportunities is key. The Limousin breed offers a variety of options from Fullblood to Purebred to the Lim-Flex® hybrid (Limousin x Angus cross) to match your program’s needs and market goals. Crossbreeding for the right blend of muscle, maternal ability and profit is easy with Limousin seedstock.