CRYSTAL, Mich. — Bulls graduating from the 33rd Annual MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program were sold Saturday, March 20 in Crystal, Mich. The sale averaged a program record-setting $4,103.13 on 64 lots.
An impressive 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, Michigan and was purchased by Louella Byelich of Harrisville, Mich. When we study 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. With a test average daily gain of 4.24 lb/day there is no doubt his progeny will be in high demand.
Lot #35 and #93 tied for a close 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 lb/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. An outstanding growth bull that 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 lb/day placing him in the top 4 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 regions 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 2021-2022 MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation should contact the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association at 517-347-8117 or visit the program’s website www.MIBulls.com for details. The next evaluation will begin in October, with nominations opening July 2021 and accepted until September 1, 2021.
— Michigan Cattlemen’s Association
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