Bulls graduating from the 33rd annual Michigan Cattlemen’s Association-Michigan State University Bull Evaluation Program were sold March 20 in Crystal, Mich., and averaged a record-setting $4,103.13 on 64 lots.

A SimAngus bull, Lot 78, topped the sale and brought $6,750. This SimAngus bull sired by BCA Cool 7000 was consigned by Stough Simmental Farm of Marshall, Mich., and was purchased by Louella Byelich of Harrisville, Mich.

This bull’s data, working from the ground up, his balance, including carcass traits, secured him in the top 25% for the All-Purpose Index and Terminal Index. Aside from balance, he ranked in the top 25% of the breed for calving ease, and the top 20% for weaning weight. He had a test average daily gain of 4.24 pounds per day.

Lot 35 and 93 tied for second in the 2021 sale. Lot 35 was an Angus bull consigned by Dawson Farms LLC of Hanover, Mich. This bull was sired by Stevenson Big League 70749 and ranked in the top 5% of his breed for weaning weight and yearling weight with a test average daily gain of 4.06 pounds per day. He sold to Bruce Oesterle of Mason, Mich., for $6,500.

Also selling for $6,500 was Lot 93, a SimAngus bull sired by Bieber Spartacus A193, consigned by Plank Simmental Farm of Crystal, Mich. He ranked in the top 1% of the breed for weaning and yearling weight, the top 2% for Terminal Index, and had a test average daily gain of 4.78 pounds per day, placing him in the top four of all bulls evaluated this year for ADG. He was purchased by Norman Voyles of Martinsville, Ind.

Breed results were as follows: 36 Angus bulls averaged $4,183.33; 27 Simmental and SimAngus bulls averaged $4,037.04; and 1 Red Angus bull sold for $3,000. 

The MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program is the region’s premier central bull appraisal and testing facility, setting the industry standard for evaluated bulls. The program’s motto is, “We do more, so you know more,” because all test procedures follow the Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs published by the Beef Improvement Federation.

Additionally, only bulls meeting a minimum average daily gain requirement and passing stringent evaluations for reproductive potential, disposition and structural soundness are marketed through the sale. 

Each year, bulls are intensely selected and nominated by breeders across the Great Lakes region. Breeders interested in consigning to the 2021-22 MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation should contact the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association at 517-347-8117 or visit the program’s website, MIBulls.com, for details.

The next evaluation will begin in October, with nominations opening in July and accepted until Sept. 1. 

Source: MCA, 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.