The candidates for the 2026 NALF board of directors’ election have been set. The NALF nominating committee has slated four candidates; Bret Begert, Allison, TX; Jeff Berry, Port Orchard, WA; Riley Laber, Hillsboro, OH; Curt Wieczorek, Mount Vernon, SD.
Bret Begert, TX
Jeff Berry, WA
Riley Laber, OH
Curt Wieczorek, SD
The following is a brief biography submitted by the candidates.
Bret Begert, Allison, Texas
Bret Begert, of Begert Limousin Ranch in Allison, Texas, is honored to be a candidate for the NALF Board of Directors. The Begert family has been raising black Limousin cattle since 1974. “We believe in these cattle — they’ve provided our livelihood for more than 51 years. Limousin is exactly what today’s beef industry needs. As much as we love the cattle, it’s the people that make this breed truly special. From our valued customers to fellow breeders and Limousin enthusiasts, the friendships and connections we’ve made are lifelong and an inspiration to our family.”
The Begert operation is a true family business, with every member involved in some way. Hiram and Darenda, along with Bret and his wife, Hayley, manage the day-to-day work on the ranch, while McKinley and Boone, though away at college, stay active and engaged whenever possible. The Begerts have a long history of service to the breed: Hiram is a past NALF President, Darenda a past Limmy Booster President, Hayley currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Texas Limousin Association, and Boone is serving as NALJA President.
Bret himself has a strong record of leadership within the Limousin community. This is his second opportunity to serve on the NALF Board, having previously been President from 2016 to 2018. He also served for many years as Director of Junior Activities, helping to mentor and inspire the next generation of Limousin enthusiasts. Beyond the breed, Bret has dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Ft. Elliott CISD Board of Trustees and is an active board member and Livestock Chairman for the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas.
“It would be an honor to once again serve this breed and its breeders on the NALF Board,” Bret says.
Jeff Berry, Port Orchard, Washington
Jeff Berry, of Port Orchard, Washington, is honored to be a candidate for the NALF Board of Directors. Jeff earned his degree in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University in 2005, where he gained valuable experience working with a variety of Limousin operations. After graduation, he returned home to begin a career as a forester with Western Timber Inc. while also operating Berry Cattle Co. with his wife, Holly, and their two children, Rowdy (15) and Radley (11).
Berry Cattle Co. focuses on raising high-quality Limousin, Lim-Flex, and Angus cattle to meet the diverse needs of the beef industry. With a carefully managed herd of 40 cows, Jeff and his family emphasize precision in genetic selection, marketing cattle to junior show families, seedstock producers, and bull buyers alike.
The Limousin breed has always held a special place in Jeff’s heart. Since becoming a NALF member in 1990, he has participated in numerous junior nationals and national shows, and today he is grateful to share those same experiences with his sons. Together, the Berry family has raised several junior national champions, carrying on a tradition of excellence in the show ring.
Outside of cattle, life is full and busy for Jeff and his family, with wrestling commitments and a steady schedule of cattle shows. Through it all, Jeff remains passionate about serving the breed. Jeff is honored to be given the opportunity to support, encourage and bring his knowledge of the breed and industry to the NALF board, it would be a true pleasure.
Riley Laber, Hillsboro, Ohio
Riley Laber, of Hillsboro, Ohio, serves as the East Region Seed Manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions. Alongside his wife, Kayleesue, he operates a successful herd of registered Limousin cattle in Ohio. Their three children — D’lelah, Patton, and Denver — are actively involved in the family operation and have found success both inside and outside of the show ring, making cattle not just a business, but a shared family passion.
Riley takes great pride in traveling the country with his family to exhibit their cattle, promote the Limousin breed, and create lasting memories together. Originally from Parkston, South Dakota, he grew up deeply rooted in agriculture and now blends that heritage with his professional role and family livestock operation. By balancing his career with his commitment to raising quality cattle, Riley is dedicated to advancing the beef industry and inspiring future generations to continue its growth.
Curt Wieczorek, Mount Vernon, SD
Curt and his wife Leanne operate a diversified farming/ranching operation in southeastern South Dakota. They are the 4th generation to operate the land since it was homesteaded in 1882 by his great grandfather.
Wieczorek Limousin hosted their first bull sale in 1981 and have continued to do so every year since making it one of the longest running Limousin production sales in the country.
Curt has served in several organizations in various capacities which includes nearly 20 years serving on his local township board, and presently serving as chairman of Custom Genetics Solutions, LLC board of directors, a custom bovine semen collection facility located near Mitchell, SD. He has also served the Limousin breed in various state and national capacities.
Curt has 3 daughters, 3 sons-in-law and 3 granddaughters. He enjoys spending time with family and fly fishing in his spare time.
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.