An outstanding set of bulls and strong cattle prices led to the most successful sale in the 26 year history of the MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program. 

MI Cattlemen's Association Bull Evaluation Holds Record Breaking Sale

Sixty-nine bulls, representing five breeds, sold for $237,750 to set a record-breaking average price of $3,446 - exceeding the previous average high by over $350. The top selling bull was the Lot 7 Angus bull owned by Apple Hill Angus of Harrisville, purchased by Leo Gaffney in Wales, for $6,750. The second-high bull was the Lot 81 Simmental bull owned by Rich Beef and Grain of Sandusky, sold to Darwin Eichenberg of Reed City for $5,900. The third-high bull was Lot 109 by Plank Simmental Farms of Crystal, sold to Michigan State University for $5,600.

Other high selling lots include the Lot 22 Angus bull bred by VanDenBerg Angus LLC of Hudsonville, sold to Bruce Osterle of Mason, for $5,500; Lot 49 Angus bull bred by Eastview Angus Farm LLC of Corunna, IN, sold for $5,500 to Kendra Leonard of Harrisville, and the Lot 56 Angus bull consigned by KB Farms LLC of Merritt, also for $5,500 to Bordner Farms LLC of Sturgis and Eastview Angus Farms. 

Ten bulls sold for $5,000 or more. Breed results were as follows: 41 Angus bulls averaged $3,476; 24 Simmental bulls averaged $3,444; 2 Red Angus bulls averaged $3,400, 1 Charolais bull sold for $3,600 and 1 Hereford bull sold for $2,200. 

Fifty-six buyers bought superior performing bulls that achieved rigid health and performance qualifications. The 2014 program began in October with 108 bulls that were hand selected by 29 breeders.  The goal is to provide a common environment for evaluating young bulls and to assist beef producers in obtaining superior bulls that have been evaluated for growth, breeding and structural soundness, reproductive potential and carcass merit.

The MCA Bull Evaluation Program is held in cooperation with Michigan State University. The bulls were managed at the Plank Farm in Crystal.