CRYSTAL, Mich. — The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association has announced the completion of the 2016-17 MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation Program. The 29th Annual Bull Evaluation Sale will take place Saturday, March 18 at the test station, 325 Mt. Hope Road, Crystal, MI starting at 12:30 p.m. Bulls can be previewed during an Open House at the station on March 4.
The MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation is the region’s premier bull appraisal program and is a joint effort between the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association, Michigan State University, and Plank Farm. The program aids beef producers in obtaining superior bulls that have been evaluated in a common environment for growth, breeding and structural soundness and carcass merit.
The 112-day off-test report is now available at www.MIBulls.com Beef producers can preview the sale offering at an Open House on March 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the test station. The event gives cattlemen and women the opportunity to view the bulls and visit with consignors. In addition, MI State University Beef Specialists will be available to discuss bull selection strategies, bull development diets and to interpret performance information. Lunch will be provided.
Seedstock producers from across the region place their best junior and senior bulls in the MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation Program. The program started in October 2016 with 103 animals.
“Eighty bulls will be cataloged for sale,” says Bob Zellmer, BEP Committee Chairman. “Only those meeting a minimum average daily gain of 2.8 lbs. and passing stringent evaluations for reproductive potential, disposition and structural soundness make the sale cut.”
The barn averaged 3.71 lb/day during the 112-day evaluation on a heavily forage-based ration. The top gaining senior bull averaged 4.75 lb/day and the top gaining junior bull averaged 4.67 lb/day. Each bull will have ultrasound data for ribeye area, external fat and percent intramuscular fat. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for growth, maternal and carcass traits on each bull will be published in the sale catalog.
“This is what we mean by the slogan ‘We Do More, So You Know More’ adds Zellmer.
Catalogs are anticipated March 4 and will available at www.MIBulls.com and through the MCA office. Off-site bidding is available through DVAuction.com. For more information, contact the MCA office at (517) 347-8117, the Plank Farm at (989) 506-2061 or visit www.MIBulls.com
— Michigan Cattlemen’s Association
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