Most successful sale in 27 years of the MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program

CRYSTAL, Mich. — An outstanding set of bulls and strong cattle prices lead to the most successful sale in the 27 year history of the MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program.

Sixty-one bulls, representing six breeds, sold for $226,750 to set a new record-breaking average of $3,717. A pair of bulls that fetched $6,000 topped the sale. They include Lot 8, an Angus bull owned by Rietberg Farms, LLC of Hudsonville, Mich., purchased by Bruce Oesterle of Mason, Mich. Also topping the sale was Lot 88, a Simmental bull owned by Stough Simmentals of Marshall, Mich., purchased by the MSU Beef Center in East Lansing.

17 bulls sold for $5,000 or more. Breed results were as follows: 33 Angus bulls averaged $4,056; 19 Simmental bulls averaged $3,655; 3 Charolais bulls averaged $2,717; 3 SimAngus bulls averaged $2,667; 2 Red Angus bulls averaged $2,400 and 1 Hereford bull sold for $2,500.

Forty-nine buyers bought superior performing bulls that met rigid health and performance qualifications. The 2015 program began in October with 103 bulls that were hand selected by 29 breeders in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Each bull was sold with ultrasound data for ribeye area, external fat and percent intramuscular fat. In addition, all bulls met a minimum average daily gain requirement of 2.8 lbs. and passed evaluations for reproductive potential, disposition and structural soundness.

The MCA Bull Evaluation Program is held in cooperation with Michigan State University. The bulls are managed at the Plank Farm in Crystal, MI.

— Michigan Cattlemen’s Association