Written by Wyatt Jacoby, NALJA Director

As soon as the gates to the show grounds open the rigs start rolling in. Fancy trucks without a speck of dirt, tailgates intact, shined up like the owner has used a whole bottle of show sheen on them. Trailers that cost more than all my possessions combined, more lights than a Christmas tree, 12 ramps, hydraulic jacks that you could only dream of…. So maybe I’ve drooled over a few of those rigs once or twice BUT it only takes me a few minutes before I remember that what’s inside the trailer is much more important than the trailer itself.

Sometimes the flashiest thing about a trailer is the animals inside of it and that is something to be proud of. The quality of the animals you raise is the most impressive and most important part of our job as Limousin breeders and exhibitors. 

Let’s start with the basics… genetics. Whether you have poured over EPD’s, done your research and worked hard to purchase animals with quality genetics that fit your program goals or you have the honor of showing animals out of the herd your family has raised and worked hard to improve for many years, one thing is true to all production programs… genetics are the foundation to building a productive and successful herd. You wouldn’t build a house on sand; A solid foundation is key to the longevity and success of a program and of each individual animal. Breeding animals that are healthy and a piece of the bigger picture of your overall goal ensures that you have the greatest opportunity to build something great and produce quality animals that you are proud to walk out of the trailer!

Genetics is the foundation needed to be successful but then what? Nutrition and optimal care. Protein and fat percentage, palatability, and nutritional value are all a necessity that I would hope you all make a priority, but when your animal is in great condition and ready to take the step from good to great, do you put in the time and effort to select high quality supplements that target the areas that the animal you are investing in needs to improve?

The last key factor in raising quality animals, that is the hardest to come by and easiest to attain, is hard work, character and integrity. This is the factor that means the most to me and that I really take the most pride in. I have been blessed with great examples in this area and choose to surround myself with other junior members and breeders that also make the foundational qualities a priority. The amount of sweat and tears you put into your animals is evident as soon as you walk in the show ring. I spend more time in the barn than anywhere else, and I’m covered in dirt and mud, and other things 99% of the time from working hard and getting myself in the occasional mess. I take pride in knowing that I am raising my animals ethically and that they are happy, healthy and productive. 

The rigs pulling in here with all of the flashy bells and whistles are something that we all wish we could have, and I am committed to working hard to have the opportunity to pull one of them on to the grounds in future, but I know that no matter what my rig looks like, I will never be as proud of the trailer as I am of the cattle that I walk out of it. If you remember to keep genetics, nutrition and hard work your top priority, you can confidently walk away a winner in the ring and a successful cattleman, and THAT is something to be proud of.