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experiencing little to no growth, so as a breed
to compliment Angus how do we break in? If
you want to sell one more bull than last year,
how do you build up that program to put you
above other breeds? Even locally, when we sell
bulls, commercials guys have numerous choices.
You need to get them invested in the breed you
have and then build relationships and trust.”
Having quality bulls that stand out is essential
to attracting buyers as is educating livestock
producers on the Limousin breed. “I explain why
Limousin cattle are a good cross on British-based
cowherds. The fullblood French Limousin was
red and horned. But today, Limousin are polled
and can be red or black. So today’s Limousin
can work on the black cattle or red cattle
without giving up their desired color base.”
Recently the Gates family purchased a new
ranch headquarters. The Gates had always leased
18 | MARCH 2018
their place, but Leasing has become extremely
competitive. When the leased land is sold, often the
new owners want to go in a new direction. Trying
to find new leases is one of the biggest challenges
the ranch faces today. The family, including Gary’s
mother who is still running the business, is thankful
to have their own place to raise cattle and a family.
“Being an engineer, you think you do important
work,” Gary mused. “However, sometimes you
can’t see what you’ve accomplished. With
ranching, you get to see the product you create.
In addition, every year provides a new set of
challenges and new bars to raise. We’re never
done trying to improve our product.” I
Reprinted with permission from
Tri-State Livestock News