John Nimmo Nominated for Fleckvieh Federation Board

FULLBLOOD SIMMENTAL FLECKVIEH FEDERATION

Someone once said “An organization cannot be what its individual members are not”.  Whether a church or a business, how true this is.  The Federation can not thrive and grow unless its members are thriving and growing.  Sounds simple enough doesn’t it?  I’ve been in business in some facet for more than 35 years. The following are concepts that I have learned in order for an entity to survive and in fact thrive and I am attempting here to apply directly or indirectly these precepts to the Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation. 

1. Change and growth are not optional.  The concepts and practices of a business or organization used last year or possibly longer that made them a success do not guarantee any future success.  The business environment, the demands of the consumer and the cattle business are dynamic, and are constantly changing.  In addition, the competition never stays the same.  As breeders and cattlemen, we are wise to recognize that things never remain the same and we must be flexible enough to “respond” to our changing business environment and our changing market.
2. In order to succeed, an organization must offer or must do things differently than its competitors and it must be “marketed” effectively.  Fleckvieh cattle could be the best product in the world but it is useless if people and in our case commercial cattleman don’t know about it.  We must make it known through better marketing or our product.
3. Revenue.  An organization and its members must be united in its goals and the management, staff and membership must pull in the same direction.  “Together, a small group of like minded and committed individuals can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”  Abraham Lincoln.  We will ALL stand to gain and capture more revenue as the Federation succeeds and grows.  There will be more opportunity to market our cattle and perhaps gain momentous growth which will profit everyone involved.  The records show the Federation membership has increased dramatically in just the past two years as more and more people are looking for solutions to improve their operations and as Fleckvieh cattle seem to fill the need.   As the organization grows so will the opportunities for its members.  Sustainable revenue and not for just a few at the top is a priority.  The “top” of the business must provide sustainable revenue methods that are attainable for its members.  WE are all familiar with Wall Street and the “top heavy” organizations that control the market profitability there. I’ve mostly made a success in business by helping others attain their own goals and as a by product, I’ve gotten paid.  How good is that?
4. Focus on long term growth and not short term profit.  Although cash flow is an issue for every cattleman.  The wrong focus can bring disastrous results.  An example of this might be equated to focusing on only one EPD score and not recognizing the impact of the other scores on our herd longevity.  It may bring short term results but in the long term could be extremely negative.

My success and history has been dependant to aligning myself with principals that have worked.  Remember the 3 R’s of success, be responsive to the market, be a resource for solutions for our members so that all can be postured for success and capture vital and sustainable revenue from our cattle operations.  Those are the things that I stand for in my nomination for the Board of Directors of the Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation.

My family, wife Sara, and son Garrett love our cattle.  We love our lifestyle that the farm brings to us.  We are certainly appreciative of the friends we have made from our involvement with the FULLBLOOD SIMMENTAL FLECKVIEH FEDERATION.  We will cherish those who have helped us and we are committed to helping them.  We are passionate about the benefits of Fleckvieh cattle and we are happy to work with and share our successes and our failures with others.  Thank you for your support.

John Nimmo. 

Board candidate

Southern Simmentals, Cedar Hill Farm1080 Berryville Road, Jonesboro, IL 62952