Named after a creek that runs through the lower side of the property, Elders Branch Farms in Three Springs, Pennsylvania, is home to some of the finest Purebred Limousin and Lim-Flex east of the Missississippi.
After being introduced to the breed by a friend more than a decade ago, owner Jim Delaplaine became curious enough about the Limousin breed to become involved. The next year proved to be a turning point for the operation when Delaplaine purchased the 4-H steer project of Chris Seymore at the Adams County Fair.
Not long after, Seymore came to work at Elders Branch Farms, and together the two men have continued to grow and develop the herd into a premier source for Limousin and Lim-Flex genetics.
“As soon as he came onboard, Chris grabbed the bull by the horns and started getting postive results for our program,” Delaplaine said, crediting Seymore for much of the firm’s success. “I have nothing but positive things to say about Chris and the way he has managed our operation.”
Currently, the 90-plus momma cows roam nearly 450 acres of some of the most picturesque landscape in the country. Located between Pittsburg and Harrisburg, and only 150 miles northwest of Baltimore and Washington D.C., the fertile ground also produces the hay and corn necessary to sustain the cowherd. With more than 10 years of cattle feeding experience, Delaplaine and Seymore have chosen to focus their efforts on the Lim-Flex side of the business, due in no small part to their performance in the feedlot. “We like Lim-Flex because of their increased dressing percent compared to Angus and the fact they feed out more reliably,” Delaplaine said.
The principals at Elders Branch Farms select their seedstock with an eye squarely focused on the commerical cow-calf sector, as well as the cattle feeding business. The results are functional, no-nonsense cattle that feature the breed’s freshest genetics, backed by proven cow families. The formula is working perfectly as cattle carrying the Elders Branch Farms prefix are working in respected herds, not only along the east coast, but nationwide.
