MARIANNA, Fla. — The 21st edition of the Florida Bull Test Sale is taking place a month from now, on January 16, 2021, and preparations are underway for this major Extension event. This year, due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person sale attendance will be limited to 50 people inside the pavilion, however online bidding through Cattle in Motion will be available, and is highly encouraged.
Despite all the difficulties that this year brought, the Florida Bull Test was able to continue; a total of 102 bulls finished the test, registering a 10-year record high average daily gain of 3.73 lb/d. A total of 54-67 bulls will be part of the sale which will feature the following breeds: Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, SimAngus, SimBrah, and Simmental. For the past 20 years, this event has contributed to the improvement of beef cattle genetics and overall profitability of beef cattle enterprises in the Southeastern United States.
–
Bull videos and catalog are ready
The videos of each of the bulls can be viewed on the the Cattle In Motion website. Additional information on the weight gain through the 112 day test is available through the Florida Bull Test website. In addition, the full catalog for the 2021 Florida Bull Test Sale is available using the following link:
2021 UF/IFAS Florida Bull Test Sale Catalog
–
Previewing bulls and registering to bid through Cattle In Motion
On Friday, January 15, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm Central Time, consignors and potential buyers will have an opportunity to view the bulls in the pasture, as well as the opportunity to register for online or in person bidding. During that time, NFREC personnel, and county and state faculty from the University of Florida will be available to discuss bull buying tips, review the catalog, and visually evaluate the bulls that will be offered in the next day in the sale. Also, computers and personnel will be available to help buyers through the Cattle In Motion registration process so they will be ready to bid via the Cattle In Motion website the day of the sale.
–
Special instructions for the 2021 Sale Day
On the day of the sale, bulls will be available for viewing at the NFREC Beef Unit from 8:00 to 11:00 am Central Time. This event will be held outside, in the Beef Unit pens, and social distancing and face masks will be highly encouraged. A maximum of 250 people will be allowed during the bull viewing event. At 12:30 Central Time, the sale will begin inside the Beef Unit pavilion. Only pre-registered buyers will be allowed inside the pavilion, and the capacity will be limited to 50 people total, with mandatory mask wearing and 6-feet of social distancing while seated in the bleachers. These precautions will be in place in order to comply with University of Florida’s COVID safety regulations. Assigned seating areas will be clearly marked with tape on the day of the sale. To preregister as a buyer and reserve your spot prior to sale day, please call 850-526-1613.
–
Facebook Live available during sale!
Live streaming will be available for anybody interested in watching the sale and seeing the bulls as they are auctioned in the sale ring. Streaming will be available via Facebook Live at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/FlaPanhandleAgriculture/ Â
If you are not already a follower, like the page in advance so you will be notified when the broadcast starts. Note: You will NOT be able to place a bid through Facebook live! This service is being provided so that everyone who wants to simply watch the sale will have the the opportunity to do so.
–Nicolas DiLorenzo, Florida Bull Test Coordinator