The Longhorn Code of Honor ™

"Embracing Integrity, Honesty and Dignity in the Longhorn Breed"

We, the supporters of the Longhorn Code of Honor, understand that honesty, fairness, and mutual respect are fundamental to the way we treat each other. We will conduct our business in a moral and ethical manner, realizing that the integrity and public image of the Longhorn industry is based on the sum of all professional conduct of the men and women who buy, sell, and breed Longhorn cattle.

• We believe that one of our highest responsibilities is the proper care of our Longhorn cattle.
• We will not misrepresent the sire and dam of any of our Longhorn production.
• We will not misrepresent the date of birth of any of our Longhorn production.
• When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the true buyer of any consignment.
• When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the actual sales price of any consignment.
• We will treat everyone with respect and conduct our business in an honest manner.

No quality or trait is more important than integrity. An ethical person inspires trust. Without trust, we cannot build and maintain our industry or support our associations. By following this simple Longhorn code, we will continue to thrive as independent breeders, strengthen our associations, and maintain the highest level of credibility. We encourage all breeders of the Longhorn industry to embrace the Longhorn Code of Honor and commit to these basic values.

Supplement to the Longhorn Code of Honor ™

The overwhelming majority of Longhorn breeders, owners and sellers understand and agree that the Longhorn breed can only flourish in an environment free of discord, distrust, and dishonest tactics. The Longhorn Code of Honor (“the Code”) is designed to encourage all responsible breeders, owners and sellers to aspire to the highest possible level of honesty, integrity and accountability in the trade. Although the Code is a set of voluntary standards, we strongly encourage that it be adopted by all Longhorn breeders or sellers, regardless of association or political affiliation. Breeders and sale operators who comply with the Code may display the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal in their advertising, catalogs, websites, letterheads, business cards, or in any other media or manner that is consistent with the high professional standards of the Code. Longhorn breeders may display the Seal as long as they operate in a manner that is consistent with the Code. The “Longhorn Code of Honor” and the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal logo are trademarked to protect from misuse. If a breeder is found to be conducting business in a manner that is contrary to the Code, permission to use the Longhorn Code of Honor Seal may be withdrawn.

Interpretation of the Code:

• We believe that one of our highest responsibilities is the proper care of our Longhorn cattle. Simply put, a responsible Longhorn breeder should always provide adequate food, water, and health care for their cattle, and not subject them to abuse.
• We will not misrepresent the sire and dam of any of our Longhorn production. The pedigree of a Longhorn can have a dramatic effect on its value. The Longhorn breeder commits that he will not knowingly communicate or register the wrong parentage for any Longhorn which he has produced. To be in compliance with the spirit of this provision, a breeder must take all reasonable steps to insure this information is accurate.
• We will not misrepresent the date of birth of any of our Longhorn production. To be consistent with this provision, the Longhorn breeder must take all reasonable and practical steps to maintain accurate records of birthdates and will not provide inaccurate information for registration of an animal. In cases where the birth is not observed by a breeder or his agent, the breeder must make an honest best effort to estimate the actual date of birth.
• When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the true buyer of any consignment. Sale operators must commit to providing accurate information to the public. It is a violation of the Code to represent a “passed-out”, PO’d, or otherwise unsold consignment as a sold consignment, or to provide false representation of any buyer’s identity.
• When we operate a public auction, we will not misrepresent the actual sales price of any consignment. Unscrupulous operators may misrepresent prices to convince buyers that their sale is superior to others, or that cattle values are higher than actual. To comply with the Code, sale operators must report only actual cash prices for the animals sold. It is a violation of the Code to report barter deals as cash transactions or to conspire or arrange to set a price on a consignment that does not reflect the actual cash price paid for the animal.
• We will treat everyone with respect and conduct our business in an honest manner. The Longhorn industry is dependent on an atmosphere of cooperation and collegiality. When breeders publicly attack, smear, or slander other breeders, the industry suffers. To conduct business in an honest manner means we will not misrepresent breeding history, milk production, horn measurements, health records, or other aspects of any cattle.

In conclusion, the Longhorn Code of Honor is simple and easy to understand. Responsible Longhorn breeders will operate easily within the mainstream of this Code, and will not try to skirt the edges or operate outside the boundaries of moral, ethical or professional behavior.