The 53rd Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale is happening this Thursday (Feb. 25), in a new location: the Lowderman Auction facility just west of Macomb, Ill.

The sale, which typically runs during the Illinois Beef Expo, starts at 11 a.m., with 39 head of Angus, Simmental and Hereford bulls being offered. Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension and the sale manager, says the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale offers some of the best genetics based on beef industry performance standards.

“The sale has been a leader in introducing Illinois seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers to the latest evaluation technology and practices,” Meteer adds.

Along with strict requirements for superior EPDs (expected progeny differences), bulls must meet some of the most rigorous requirements in the industry. "These bulls don’t just have to pass the test … they have to pass every test" Meteer says. All of the bulls must meet a stringent minimum scrotal circumference for their age. Mothers of the bull are required to test negative for Johne’s disease, or come from a Level 1-or-higher herd of the Voluntary Johne’s Certification Program. Bulls also must be tested free for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) using the persistently infected (PI) ear notch screening system. All senior and January yearlings must be fertility-tested. All bulls meet weight, frame and functional soundness evaluations prior to the sale.

The long-running sale has a history of success and over 52 years, it’s sold 4,825 bulls for $8.9 million. In 2020, 37 bulls averaged $4,206 and grossed $155,650. The top seller in 2020 went for $12,500.

Information to know:

• Bid online at the IPT bull sale website.

• Phone bidding available; call Meteer at 217-430-7030 to make arrangements prior to the sale.

• Check out the sale catalog online.

• Take a look at bull photos here.

The sale is supported by the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Angus Association, Illinois Simmental Association, VitaFerm, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis 50K, ABS and Dearwester Grain Services. For more information on the sale or bulls consigned, contact Meteer at 217-430-7030 or email at [email protected].