Developing the very best Limousin genetics and encouraging future leaders in agriculture is the main focus at Pinegar Limousin, owned by Ed and Carol Pinegar.
In 1992, Ed purchased his first Limousin cows and established Pinegar Limousin in Ebenezer, Mo. Over the last 23 years, Pinegar Limousin has utilized the latest in technology to develop Fullblood, Purebred and Lim-Flex genetics that meets the expectations of seedsock and commercial producers.
“We work to produce a great product that our customers will appreciate and benefit from no matter what their goals are,” said Ty Heavin. Ty and wife, Susie, currently manage the herd and have worked for Pinegar Limousin since 1993.
Since developing their herd of Limousin cattle, Pinegar Limousin has used artificial insemination and embryo transfer breeding techniques, which allows them to continue to improve their herd. “By using embryo transfers and AI we can propagate the very best genetics in a shorter amount of time and get multiple calves out of superior cows in a single year,” explained Ty.
Pinegar Limousin strives to develop structurally sound, deep-bodied, easy-fleshing animals with a balanced set of EPDs. Pinegar Limousin collects ultrasound data on their yearling calves to determine such traits as ribeye area, marbling and back fat. Complete EPDs including performance data are available to their customers.
Pinegar Limousin genetics are available during their annual sale the third weekend in March, a few consignment sales throughout the year and through private treaty. This year’s production sale hosted at the farm will feature 40 bulls, 30 spring calving heifers, 15 fall calving heifers and 15 open show heifer prospects.
Pinegar Limousin develops genetics that are marketable to seedstock and commercial producers. Earlier this year Pinegar Limousin was named the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) Commercial Marketing Booster of the Year for their strong commitment to commercial cattle producers through marketing and customer service.
“It has to make sense to the buyer,” explained Ty, who is a Fullblood Limousin Alliance Director and a Missouri Limousin Breeders Association Director. “The buyer has to be comfortable with the product and it needs to make sense to them and their production goals. Customers will buy what fits their needs. Fullblood, Purebred and Lim-Flex genetics each bring unique characteristics to the table and can offer so many good traits that we believe it is crucial to be able to supply our customers with the best genetics the breed has to offer.”
Another important part of the program at Pinegar Limousin is their show stock. James Henderson manages the cattle in the show barn for shows and sales. They have been successful in exhibiting numerous national champions and reserve champions as well as being named premier breeder and exhibitor at many of the top shows across the country.
In addition to investing in top-quality genetics, Pinegar Limousin invests a lot of resources developing a healthy herd. They are a member of the Pfizer’s Leaders Edge program, brucellosis free herd and BVD-PI free herd. “Not all cows are created equal but all deserve equal treatment,” said Ty of their herd health program. The success of the cow herd is made possible with the help from Bob Lauderbough and Jeff Christian.
When it comes to securing the future of agriculture, Pinegar Limousin knows encouraging youth to become leaders in agriculture is necessary. “There is not enough youth enthusiasm when it comes to agriculture,” said Ty. “We want to encourage agriculture participation from youth.”
To show their support to the next generation of agriculturalist, Pinegar Limousin financially supports scholarship programs through the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, North American Limousin Junior Association, Missouri Junior Limousin Breeders Association and by sponsoring local fairs. In addition, the Pinegar family started the Pinegar Agricultural Scholarship for a graduate of Willard High School who is an undergraduate student attending Missouri State University, majoring in agriculture.
