May 13, 2024

IPT Bull Sale is source for total performance genetics

By AgriNews Staff
The Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has been a leader in introducing Illinois seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers to the latest evaluation technologies and practices. The sale has offered some of the best genetics based on performance standards utilized by the beef industry.

The Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has been a leader in introducing Illinois seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers to the latest evaluation technologies and practices. The sale has offered some of the best genetics based on performance standards utilized by the beef industry.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Commercial cow-calf producers and seedstock breeders interested in purchasing a total performance tested bull will want to attend the 2024 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale.

There are 48 bulls cataloged with 27 being longer-aged 2022 mature bulls and 21 yearlings of multiple breeds.

The sale is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, and will be held during the Illinois Beef Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The 2024 edition will be the 56th annual sale, with 4,954 bulls valued at over $9 million sold at previous sales, according to Travis Meteer, IPT Bull Sale manager.

The sale order will be based on a power score system that utilizes the economic indexes provided by the breed associations. The power score will be calculated on the percentile rank for these values.

The economic indexes are Combined Value, or $C, for Angus and All-Purpose Index, or API, and Terminal Index, or TI, for Simmental.

Along with strict requirements for superior expected progeny differences, bulls must meet some of the most rigorous requirements in the industry.

“These bulls don’t just have to pass the test — they have to pass every test,” Meteer said.

All the bulls must meet a stringent minimum scrotal circumference for their age. Mothers of the bull are required to test negative for Johne’s disease or come from a Level 1 or higher herd of the voluntary Johne’s certification program.

Bulls also must be tested free for bovine viral diarrhea using the persistently infected ear notch screening system. All senior and January yearlings must be fertility tested. All bulls meet weight, frame and functional soundness evaluations prior to the sale.

All bulls will be onsite on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and displayed for buyers in Barn 14 on sale day, located just west of the coliseum.

Bulls will be featured on video screens during the live auction in the Artisans Building. This will offer more comfort and hospitality to the potential buyers and less stress on the cattle.

The IPT Bull Sale catalog along with supporting information can be found online at www.IPTBullSale.com.

The website contains all the pedigree information, adjusted weights, power scores and EPDs. The site also provides more complete information on how the power score is calculated and a summary of the past 55 IPT Bull Sales.

Online bidding will be offered through CCI.live.

BeefLivestockUniversity of Illinois
AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.