1.06: The Quest Begins

(From Chp. 1 ~ 1966, titled "Foundation Work," in a book begun several years ago by SMSmith to document the early history of SBL and Simmental in North America.)

Under date of April 4, 1966, Travers sent correspondence to the CDA expressing interest in the "Red and White Simmental" of Switzerland.

When it became apparent that Switzerland was not available for importation purposes, Travers' attention turned to the Simmental cattle that had been imported into France from Switzerland. He was so committed to his Simmental course that in just over three weeks from his first letter to the CDA, he sent his official written request for "the number of Red and White Simmental cattle allowed under one permit … ." The date was April 30, 1966.

Circumstances had forced him to look to France for his "Red and White Simmental," but he never wavered from his idea that Switzerland could be opened for direct importation of the Simmental breed. Such is clearly evident in his early letters to the Commission of Swiss Cattle Breeders' Federation. They, of course, encouraged him in that pursuit.

The more Travers learned, the more driven he became to get this superior breeding stock into North America. He continued his calls and correspondence wherever there was a scrap of hope or information. He was deeply impressed with everything he heard and read. He had a deep sense that Simmental was the breed of the future in North America—that they would take over the country!