What is the value of an association? How can the association add value to those involved and to the cattle themselves? Those questions drive the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) staff and board of directors to continue to advance and better the association for good of the breed. We believe in the promotion of the breed and are passionate about Limousin and Lim-Flex and how they contribute to the entire beef industry. NALF is in the business of customer service and genetic evaluation while providing tools to enhance members’ profitability and maintain the integrity of the herdbook.
Member Communication
One of the ways that the North American Limousin foundation offers value to its members is through member communication. The revenue generated from registrations not only provides funding for member benefits and activities, educational seminars, shows, and junior programs but also for member communications. NALF continues to think of new ways to get information to their members and to the world about what is happening in the breed and within the association.
Limousin Latest
One facet NALF uses to get information out is through the Limousin Latest, which is a weekly email newsletter. Anyone can subscribe to receive weekly updates that can include information about upcoming projects, deadlines, shows, research, what events NALF is attending, and much more.
“Mornings with Mark”
Another new outlet is what we like to call “Mornings with Mark.” These are educational videos discussing what is currently going on within the breed and the value of Limousin cattle. A big part of member communication is also hearing directly from members, and in these videos, you will also get to hear the perspectives of breeders and others who have a direct impact on the breed.
NALF.org
NALF also keeps the website, NALF.org, up to date with information where you can find helpful tools, such as our online member and ranch search tools, junior membership and programs, member’s manual, EPD user’s guide, guides for individual traits, and much more.
Social Media
NALF has also taken large steps to up their presence on social media to not only make information easier for members to access but also to make Limousin more visible to feedlot managers, seedstock operations, and heifer buyers.
Marketing
The North American Limousin Foundation also offers value through marketing. NALF continues to make strides in our media department to offer a variety of services to members. Limousin Media offers professional print, digital, and design services to assist NALF members and state associations in branding and promoting Limousin and Lim-Flex programs. Need an advertisement or sale catalog that catches the eye? Look toward NALF to help you meet those needs. In addition to our design services, NALF also offers photography and ranch visits that help market not just a specific operation, but the Limousin breed. NALF puts a personal touch into every design and session and strives to get to know the members and their operations so that we can offer the best services to them.
NALF also markets the breed through national and regional advertising campaigns, trade show booths at industry events, press releases to livestock publications, sale listings, webinars, and so much more.
Registration Management
Another important aspect of the association is registration management. Registration adds a huge value to what the association does. Across the country and around the globe, buyers are willing to pay more for registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle. Reputation is important to people looking for quality seedstock and being dedicated enough to register your cattle solidifies your reputation as a professional breeder. Registration papers and accompanying performance records provide breeders and buyers alike with valuable information on the pedigree, performance, and EPDs of an animal. The quickest route to genetic improvement and increased profit is through the EPDs provided with registration. Documented genetics and performance are fundamental tools for making profitable selection, culling, and mating decisions in commercial and seedstock operations. Additional information equals added value. NALF is always available to help with registration needs and/or questions because we want each of our member’s operations to succeed.
Animal registration is not the only thing the NALF office assists with, they also assist with ownership transfers, documented pedigrees, DNA parentage verification, performance data processing, online herd management, and much more.
Research
An additional value the association offers is through genetic improvement research. The North American Limousin Research Foundation (NALRF) was established in 2021 as a division of the North American Limousin Educational Corporation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization to support research efforts focused on genetic progress and breed improvement. Funding for research efforts will be generated through member contributions, investments from the North American Limousin Foundation, grants and other fundraising activities specifically targeted towards research and breed improvement projects designed to advance the Limousin Breed.
NALRF was developed to support science-based research projects focused on documenting the advantages Limousin and Lim-Flex® cattle bring to the commercial cattle industry and identifying opportunities for genetic improvement. It is the intent of NALF to sponsor and/or collaborate in research conducted by universities, private firms, industry organizations/associations as well as ranches, feedlots and packers. The resulting data will be used to guide breed improvement efforts and inform breed marketing and communication strategies.
So, what is the value of an association? As you can see that question is hard to respond to with a single answer because there is so much that the North American Limousin Foundation does to offer value to their members and the Limousin breed.
If you want to know more about how the association, please head over to our website, NALF.org, or contact any staff member and they will be happy to assist you.
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.