Western Illinois University Hosts 49th Annual Bull Test Sale
The 49th annual Western Illinois University Performance Tested Bull Sale was held in mid-March at Lowderman’s Auction Center in Macomb. The sale helps breeders, producers and cattlemen to identify important performance traits, profit-making indicators and value-added genetic markers.
In October, the bulls arrived at WIU as weaned calves from 17 consignors from Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri.
According to WIU Assistant Professor of Agriculture Keela Trennepohl, the bull test manager for the event, the bulls transitioned for 21 days and started on the test in early November. The test lasted 90 days, ending Jan. 30, and included a total of 49 bulls, two of which were owned by WIU.
Based on average daily gain, intramuscular fat, and rib eye area, 38 bulls were selected for the sale, which was held March 12. The sale averaged $3,354 per lot. Breeds of bulls represented included Angus, Red Angus, Foundation Simmental and Simmental.
“Students are integral to the success of this event,” said Trennepohl. “They are the main work force getting hands-on experience with how to manage and develop yearling bulls, as well as managing marketing and sale of these bulls. They are involved in health checks, clipping, sale preparation, picturing and videoing, sale catalog development, social media campaign, work at the sale getting bulls to the ring, as well as clerking and registering buyers. They are the reason this sale remains after 49 years.”
For more information about the sale, visit wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/bull_test.
