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Treftz Limousin got its start in 1983 with the purchase
of the first of many Limousin bulls that we would use
on a small base of crossbred cows. Seeing this first
set of fancy calves with those thick hindquarters,
we knew there was no turning back. Slowly, yet determinedly,
we began a breeding-up program. For the last several years,
replacement females have come from within to keep our cattle
uniform and healthy. The registered herd is comprised of 75
spring cows and 20 fall cows with about 25 % of those black.
A small herd of Limousin cross commercial cattle also
graze the pastures.
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We expect our cattle to be functional and efficient
and be able to meet the same standards as a commercial
herd. By focusing on structural soundness, disposition,
thickness, and fleshing ability, we've been able to eliminate
the hard-doing cows that can't make it on grass and hay alone.
Emphasis is also placed on longevity. It’s not uncommon to see
cows 15 years and older still doing their job. Performance
is stressed in the calves while trying to keep frame size in
the moderate range. Trying to keep our cattle in line with
the commercial segment, we compile our records through the
CHAPS program. Doing this the last 15 years has given us an
objective look at our cattle and has enabled us to highlight
those that work and those that don’t.
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Bulls and replacement heifer selection begins at birth and
continues until 1 year of age. Strict criteria must be met
in order to become breeding stock. We use the motto: “If he’s
not good enough to use in our herd, he’s not good enough for
yours”. Bulls need to have top performance, a good disposition,
sound on their feet, and most importantly well muscled – what the
Limousin breed is all about.
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Marketing is generally through private treaty sales which begin in
February. This gives us the opportunity to get to know our customers
and make sure they get the bull that best fits their needs. We take
great pride that most sales are repeat customers.
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The remaining calves are sold off the cow in early November.
While developing the calves, only natural feedstuffs, along with
no drugs, antibiotics or growth hormones are fed. Niche markets
like Laura’s Lean pay big premiums for high percentage, drug free
Limousin cattle like these that fit their specifications.
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