LIMOUSIN TODAY LimToday_May18_WEB | Page 31

Herd Management the smaller cattle averaged 38 to 40 inches at the hip at fall weaning, thus an average frame score of 2.6; the larger cattle as calves were 43 to 44 inches at the hip, a frame score of 4.9. As time passed, the moderately framed cows were called “beef” and the smaller-framed cows were called “range.” I would imagine that some internal bias was involved in calling the medium-framed cows “beef,” but that should come as no surprise. And in keeping with the original objective to develop a herd of smaller cows for grazing on the range research project at the center, the smaller cows seemed to simply fit the “range,” or grass-based concepts, better. I guess, for many, suggesting a frame score 2.6 cow would be called “beef” would seem inappropriate. At least an occasional raised eyebrow would suggest that. And yes, I must admit, I, too, would shake my head as the frame 2 to 3 would walk by. Remember, the beef industry depends on numerous connective links from the conception of the calf through birth, growth, harvest and fabrication all the way to the end user. Keeping this process in focus is not easy. Seedstock breeders need to produce bulls that commercial producers can use to sustain a family with income and yet leave something for the next step. The next step is the real question. Just how big is the step? How many steps does the commercial producer leave for someone else? Currently, the beef producer has the option to place more than 1,000 pounds of carcass beef on the rail. So just because you can, does that mean you should? What does the concept of not putting a 1,000-pound carcass on the TOP FLIGHT GENETICS These two, homozygous polled, purebred bulls are doing an outstanding job. There is still time to order your semen for spring breeding. LFLC CHECKING ACCOUNT 701C CED: 15 BW: -1.3 WW: 81 YW: 114 MK: 22 CEM: 11 SC: 0.9 ST: 8 Doc: 26 YG: -0.25 CW: 31 REA: 0.51 MB: -0.07 FT: -0.05 $MTI: 53.82 Homozygous black, his offspring are topping sales across the country with their blend of predictable calving ease and superior growth, thickness and eye appeal. CHECKING ACCOUNT SEMEN: $40 ROMN CADILLAC JACK 101C CED: 3 BW: 2.1 WW: 72 YW: 104 MK: 33 CEM: 11 SC: 1.10 ST: 10 Doc: 10 YG: -0.26 CW: 32 REA: 0.79 MB: -0.24 FT: -0.06 $MTI: 45.09 CADILLAC JACK The Jack sons were very popular in our bull sale. They have an abundance of length and natural muscle along with a balance of traits that makes them valuable to any program. SEMEN: $30 SYES ENCORE 315E (HB, HP, PB) High Selling bull in our 2018 sale. Ranks in the top 1% for WW and CEM EPD’s, top 2% for YW and top 4% for REA. Semen will be available, contact us. COLE BUSINESSMAN 104B (B, HP, PB) Sons are very popular with commercial cattlemen. Ranks in the top 2% for SC EPD, top 3% for REA, top 10% for WW and top 15% for YW. Semen available for $30. S ymens B rothers SYES Semen on all bulls but Encore is available from LIMI Gene or Grassroots Genetics. P.O. Box 155 • Amherst, South Dakota 57421 John: 605/880-8061 • Paul: 605/448-5775 • Warren: 605/237-2127 Office: 605/448-2624 • Fax: 605/448-5786 • e-mail: [email protected] Your Guarantee of Predictable Genetics LIMOUSIN