FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historians of a Forgotten Breed Proudly Display Work at NAILE;
First in United States
By Jamie May
The North American International Livestock Expositions houses dozens of cattle breeds
during the prestigious purebred exposition. Shorthorn, Red Polled, Angus, Hereford, Maine
Anjou, Piedmontese, Belted Galloway, Lowlines, Chianina…the list seems endless.
In 2009, another breed was added to the list—Fullblood Simmentals. The Pinnacle, this
year’s Fullblood show, will be a first for the North American International Livestock Exposition.
In fact, this show marks the inaugural Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental show in the United States.
Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental breeders consider themselves historians of the Simmental
breed. They are preserving the integrity and characteristics of the original Simmental cattle.
Without these breeders, the uniqueness of the original Simmental breed would be lost.
The original Simmental trace back to Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South
Africa, and are still dominate breeds in many European countries. Fullbloods are known for
their docility, maternal instincts and lean beef. New research also shows they have similar
carcass data to Angus cattle.
Larry Maxey, superintendent of The Pinnacle and also a Fullblood breeder, recognizes
there is a place for all breeds in our industry. However, he is confident that Fullblood
Simmentals will be needed in the future because of the extensive crossbred programs in the
livestock industry.
“Research shows that the optimum beef animal is a result of three extreme hybrids. Cattle
have done that, but now their genetics are so similar that they will eventually move backwards.
They will need our distinct genetics to get them back on the right track,” says Maxey.
Fullblood Fleckvieh producers are excited about this public venue in Louisville. They
hope the NAILE will help make other producers more aware of their breed, as well as an
opportunity to promote their advantages.
Maxey knows this will be a groundbreaking event. “There are Fullblood Fleckviehs all
over the country, we have just never had the opportunity to have this public forum,” he explains.
Next year the Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (FSFF) hopes to include a sale.
Maxey hopes that this is just one rung on the ladder. “The mold has been cast and now
other regions can go to their officials. It can be done and it will be done. Right now it is ours to
lose, from this day on the show at the NAILE will only get better.”
Fullblood cattle are vastly different from their commonly-known purebred Simmental
counterparts. Fullblood Fleckvieh have 100% Simmental genetics and have never been
crossbred. Most Simmentals in the show ring have been influenced by other breeds, commonly
Angus or Maine Anjou, to get the black hide and feminine look needed for the show ring.
Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmentals have the same phenotype as the original Simmental
cattle did in Europe. They are considered a dual-purpose breed, meaning they will excel in both
milk and meat production. However, Fullbloods in the United States are bred mainly for meat
characteristics. They are commonly red-colored with white faces and white socks, and are not
allowed to be black.
Purebred Simmentals, which is what Simmentals shown today are referred to, are hybrid
versions of the original Simmental breed. When Simmentals were first introduced into North
America, they were crossbred with other breeds in order to create a more optimum beef animal.
This hybrid vigor resulted in a black-hided Simmental calf that is much cleaner-fronted and
smoother patterned.
A few Fullbloods cattle did exhibit at the NAILE in 2008, but they were required to
compete with the purebred Simmental cattle. Breeders felt it was an unfair comparison for these
important historians. 2009 was an opportunity to make their mark on the livestock industry.
Competing at the inaugural show were 52 head from 16 breeders from across the United
States, including one from Ontario. The Fullblood Simmentals were evaluated by Jim Williams,
V8 Ranch, Boling, Texas.
-end-