WINTER 2014 / MESSAGE FROM MARK

Where the feed efficient bulls are!

Mark Leonard

I've been trying to come up with a "How cold is it?" joke that you might not already know, but it's been so cold for so long here in the Midwest I think we've about heard them all by now. As of mid-February this is the seventh coldest winter on record in Iowa. So much for global warming.

We've come through the winter really well so far though and have gotten off to a good start with calving. One highlight was having an old friend, Jeff DeYoung, livestock editor from Iowa Farmer Today, come out to visit us at the end of January and do a story on bull selection. Good to see him again.

The yearling bulls have once again returned home from feed efficiency trials and our place is not only "Where the bulls are!" but "Where the feed efficient bulls are!" Come out real soon and see for yourself. We've never been more excited about a group of bull calves in our 45 years in the Limousin business.

These yearling bulls make up our spring "By the Numbers III” Private Treaty Bull Sale open now. We've had a number of buyers looking early and delivered a great set of bulls to Canada in January already. Just give us a call or send an email and let us know what you're looking for and when you'd like to come out. We are anxious to have you appraise this group.

All sales are private treaty, which gives you the opportunity to take your time and truly assess what bulls are going to best fit your herd and ensure you meet your goals. We have about 70 bulls for sale - red, black and polled Limousin, Angus and Lim-Flex. We have feed efficiency data, ADG, pedigree and EPD info on every bull on the place and we encourage you to make your selections by the facts, not the fads.

I want to remind everyone that we also have 2 yr old bulls and females for sale private treaty at all times throughout the year. And I always like to hear from customers in the winter so we can visit about your goals for your breeding program and we can figure out the best bulls to meet your needs. All our cattle are backed by the Leonard reputation and guarantee.

In the years we have been testing bulls for feed efficiency, Leonard bulls have always topped the tests and none of our bulls has ever been below average for feed efficiency or cost of gain. Next to being alive, feed efficiency is the most important factor in beef cattle profitability. If you feed your own calves, you’ll reap huge dividends in cost of gain with Leonard bulls. This is a real issue with over $200 difference between animals in cost of gain during a normal feeding period. But, even if you sell feeder calves, the improved cost of gain and efficiency genetics will allow you to sell more pounds with less production costs. 

Mr. Texas, our first fullblood herd sire, with Mark and Bill in the late
1970s. We've raised some bulls we are really proud of, but Ol' Tex will
always have a special place in our hearts.

All the best,

Mark Leonard