CRYSTAL, Mich. — The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association has announced the completion of the 2017-18 MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation Program. The 30th Annual Bull Evaluation Sale will take place Saturday, March 17 at the test station, 375 Mt. Hope Road, Crystal, MI starting at 12:30 p.m. Bulls can be previewed during an Open House at the station on March 3.
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 3 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 2017 with 79 animals.
The top gaining Junior bull is an Angus consigned by Michigan State University, sired by PA Fortitude 2500 (4.73 lb/day). The top gaining Senior bull is also an Angus consigned by Grand River Angus Farm, LLC, sired by Baldridge Download Z013 (4.64 lb/day). All 79 bulls averaged over 3.6 lb/day.
“Sixty-four bulls will be cataloged for sale,” says Bob Zellmer, Program Committee Chairman. “Only bulls meeting a minimum average daily gain and passing stringent evaluations for reproductive potential, disposition and structural soundness make the sale cut.”
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.
“We also added a formalized foot conformation scoring to the structural soundness evaluation this year. This is what we mean when we say ‘We Do More, So You Know More’” said Zellmer.
Catalogs are anticipated March 3 and will be 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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