Vorthmann Limousin
Located in Treynor, Iowa, Vorthmann Limousin maintains 60 cows and heifers and two herd bulls on their beautiful hilly landscape.
Born and raised in Iowa, Roger and Ann Vorthmann have been involved in the Limousin breed since 1976 when they decided to buy their first Limousin bull to run with their commercial Angus and Hereford cows. When the calves hit the ground, they couldn’t believe how great they looked; the muscling was unbelievable. After they saw the performance in Limousin calves, the Vorthmann operation slowly started to get rid of the commercial cows and kept back the Limousin herd. 37 years later Roger and Ann have a great reputation of selling high quality herd bulls, replacement females and top show string animals.
What may have started out as a commercial herd has transformed into a well-known seedstock operation that not only care about the cattle they produce, but about the people they sell to. As a registered operation, the Vorthmann’s strive to raise high performing, structurally sound, docile cattle that perform well in the seedstock business. The portion of their spring bull calf crop that does not meet or excel with their requirements to keep as bulls, will be sold as show steers and have seen much success in the ring as well as on the rail. The operation uses mostly natural heat and natural cover with one of their high-quality herd bulls.
Vorthmann’s bull battery includes DEBV Gladiator 917G, sired by CELL Envision 7023E and out of DEBV Copper Penny. Gladiator is a high percentage Limousin that combines a high degree of growth, maternal and carcass weight with a more adequate amount of marbling. Gladiator semen will be offered at a Night on the Town Limousin sale on December 14, 2019.
Although the Vorthmann operation mostly focuses on the seedstock side of business, attending shows plays a part in the operation. In 1987, Deb Vorthmann scouted out the national junior show and decided to give it a whirl in 1988. She bought herself a heifer and took it to the show in Iowa. Even though she didn’t really know all the ins and outs, she fell in love. Through dedication and perseverance, she learned how to clip cattle and I think most would agree that it has paid off for her. Deb travels all over clipping cattle for all types of breeds but won’t be shy about telling you she “likes Limousin the best.” One of the perks of buying a show calf at the Vorthmann’s annual “Focus on the Family” private Treaty sale in September, is receiving fitting services by Deb.
You can bet you will see Roger, Ann or Deb Vorthamann at local and national shows, as well as supporting several other Limousin breeders at sales throughout the year. “The Limousin breed is a family, and we’re truly blessed to be a part of it,” states Roger Vorthmann. They feel honored when they see their genetics being used across the nation. Their love for the Limousin family has been passed onto many of the generations that are buying cattle from them for their own show string.
Vorthmann Limousin has still remained a family affair where each family member plays a special part in helping with the operation. Roger and Ann work with the cattle and Deb is there helping out when she isn’t traveling. Chad Vorthmann manages their website and Erica, does the sale catalog and edits and posts videos as well as lots of hands on at the farm when she can. Erica’s son, Mason has shown the last few years. Everyone is involved when it is sale weekend helping get cattle ready for viewing
To the Vorthmann’s, it’s more than just selling great cattle, it’s about making those meaningful connections within the Limousin family.
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.