LIMOUSIN TODAY December 2017 - January 2018 | Page 33

herd, it was his responsibility. He fed a lot of cows, calved a lot of heifers, and readied a lot of sale bulls. Along the way there was feed production, bull customer outreach, farmers market meat sales, and exhibition of cattle at regional sales. Currently, along with his fiancé, Matt runs a cattle services business. They do freeze branding, insemination, bull sale prep, and an array of odd cow related jobs. Beyond that, they help several breeders get their cattle exhibited, marketed, and into cow herds. Matt believes that the heart of the breed and the survival of the association, lies in getting Limousin bulls into the herds of commercial cattlemen. The half or ¾ blood steer is the class act of the feeding industry. It is where our tag line “Muscle, Growth, Efficiency” shines. He is a fan of breed identity, producing the product we promote, and building the seedstock that make the feeder cattle that make the cowman, feedlot, and packer money. Matt believes in this breed and what it brings to the beef industry and thanks you for your consideration. Ken Wetovick Ken Wetovick is from Fullerton, Nebraska. He studied genetics and livestock evaluation, while earning his degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a lifetime member of NALF and a member of the Nebraska Limousin Association, as well as the Boone/Nance Cattlemen Association. He enjoys judging livestock at county fairs and working with youth through 4-H and FFA. they own and operate Wetovick Limousin. In 1973, their Limousin herd was started by using fullblood semen on commercial cows. The cows were primarily black purebreds until 1993, when fullblood cows were added to increase muscle. The fullblood herd has expanded to include 45 head with an additional 15 head of black purebreds. The main focus is selling bulls to commercial cattlemen that need the added muscle and improved feed efficiency that Limousin deliver for increased profitability. DNA testing with the Ingenity Profiler System has been a major selection tool in their herd since 2009. They have been fortunate to have raised some of the top fullblood animals ever tested for growth rate and marbling on this program. They started Prairie Lean Genetics and Consulting LLC to help other breeders with genetic improvement in their herds. They are currently working with breeders in five states. The NALF directors have recently had to make some very difficult decisions regarding reductions in staff and the Limousin Today publication. Ken believes that more changes are necessary. He is in favor of the nominating committee screening candidates but not selecting them. Ballots should be sent to all members that have registered cattle and/or paid their yearly membership. It should be up to the members to vote and voice their opinions on the direction of the breed. More personal involvement by the members will translate into more commitment towards financial support, i.e. registering and transferring more cattle. Ken believes that we need to come together as an organization of proactive breeders to promote to the public how unique and healthy Limousin beef is for you. Ken and his wife, Karyn, have been blessed with three daughters and nine grandchildren. Together LIMOUSIN Today | 31