Start selecting your 2026 performance tested bulls

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale.

The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo in Springfield. The sale is scheduled for Feb. 19 in the Artisans Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The sale accepts older as well as younger bulls, with a birth date range from Jan. 1, 2024, through March 2025.

The nomination deadline is Dec. 1, with a nomination fee of $100 per bull. A copy of the “2026 Rules, Regulations and Nomination Form,” along with past sale information, is posted online at https://iptbullsale.com.

Multi-trait economic selection indexes will be the foundation for determining qualification and sale order. The sale order will be based off of the “% Rank” for a maternal and a terminal Dollar Value Index in each breed.

The two indexes used have been included in the IPT Bull Sale catalog for several years, and the respective breeds include:

• Angus — $Combined, which consists of $Beef and $Maternal.

• Simmental — All Purpose Index and Terminal Index.

• Hereford— Baldy Maternal Index and Certified Hereford Beef Index.

Bulls are required to have a calving ease expected progeny difference in the top 85th percentile.

Halter broke and docile, as well as non-halter-broke bulls, are allowed to be nominated. Non-halter broke cattle will be strictly screened for disposition.

Bulls will need to have a high-quality picture and video taken prior to the sale to participate in the sale. All bulls will be processed in Springfield and on display for buyer inspection.

The sale policy regarding genetic conditions is the same as in past years. The most up-to-date policy on genetic recessive traits can be found on the IPT Bull Sale website.

Health requirements continue to be the focus of the sale. Requirements remaining the same as the previous sale include:

• Testing of all bulls for bovine viral diarrhea using the persistently infected ear notch screening system.

• Johne’s testing must occur on the bull’s dam or recipient dam or come from a herd that is Level 1 or higher for the Voluntary Johne’s Certification Program.

• All breeding soundness exams must be conducted by a veterinarian.

• All bulls over 24 months of age and bulls that have been exposed to cows will be required to be tested for trich.

• Virgin bulls under 24 months of age will need a certificate or written statement endorsed by the bull owner indicating the bull has not been exposed.

The number of bulls that breeders are eligible to sell in the 2026 sale will be eight, with two of these bulls not requiring a nomination fee. However, consignors selling more than six bulls will require that they index above the average for their breed at cataloging. Also, first-time consignors are limited to nominating four bulls.

All bulls consigned to the 2026 sale will be required to have genomic-enhanced EPDs. This is easily accomplished by sending a tissue, blood, or hair sample into the breed-approved genetic testing lab. The sale will accept both low- and high-density tests to meet the requirement.

The IPT Bull Sale is known for giving the bull buyer all necessary information to make positive herd progress. Genomic-enhanced EPDs are more accurate and predictable EPDs.

“We are reducing the risk on these bulls,” said Travis Meteer, sale manager and University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator and beef specialist. “The bulls selling can be trusted more now than ever to sire true to their values.”

For form requests, IPT sale questions, or if you will need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Meteer at 217-430-7030 or wmeteer2@illinois.edu.

Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.