The 48th Pennsylvania Performance Tested Bull Sale is going virtual from March 24 to 26. It will be held on cowbuyer.com.  

“This local opportunity is the best way for beef producers to add some of the finest genetics in the Northeast to their herds,” says Russell Redding, ag secretary. “Every spring, we see exceptional calves sired by bulls sold at this auction. This sale not only helps producers get started in the beef industry, but also helps long-term producers scale their operation with fresh genetics.”

Bulls enrolled in the program will have completed a 112-day test evaluating average daily gain, weight per day of age, feed efficiency, loin muscle size and fat deposition. All bulls will be given a breeding soundness exam and must pass it to be considered for the sale.

A sale committee will evaluate the bulls that complete the test and will select the best bulls for auction based on their performance in all components of the test. There are 147 bulls on test representing nine beef breeds, including Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental, SimAngus, Black Hereford, Shorthorn, Limousin and Pinzgauer. All bulls are consigned by producers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The fastest gaining bull at the 84-day mark is a Simmental consigned by Duane Snee of Amity, Pa., that is gaining 5.91 pounds per day on test. The leading Angus bull on test is consigned by Brakel Ridge Cattle Co. of Cincinnatus, N.Y., and is gaining 5.76 pounds per day on test.

Bulls on test include 78 Angus, 23 Simmentals, 16 Herefords, 16 Red Angus, five Black Herefords, one Shorthorn, one Limousin, one Pinzgauer and six SimAngus. Final weights and information will be compiled into a catalog for the sale, available online and mailed by request.

All bulls will be videoed due to the sale being virtual only. Prospective buyers who wish to preview animals in person before the sale can make an appointment by calling 814-238-2527.

Since 1973, the Pennsylvania Performance Bull Testing Program has helped the state’s beef industry measure inherited traits through sire evaluation. The center uses advancing technology to offer more information on bulls and enhance their marketability to potential buyers with each year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Evaluation Center measures genetic traits for livestock to benefit producers through evaluating economically important traits and to benefit consumers by providing wholesome, high-quality products at an affordable price.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to view sale bulls, contact Greg Hubbard at 814-238-2527 or [email protected], or visit agriculture.pa.gov/lec.

For information about bidding in the sale, visit cowbuyer.com.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.