2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale.

“The IPT Bull sale is and continues to be one of the best sources for total performance genetics in the Midwest,” said Travis Meteer, IPT sale manager and University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator and beef cattle specialist. “During the past 58 years, the sale has sold 5,067 bulls valued at over $10 million.”

The IPT Bull Sale is a multi-breed sale offering both older age-advantaged bulls and yearlings. Meteer said the top-selling bull was a yearling Angus bull, selling for $15,000. The bull, Evans Bandolier 51, was sold by Evans Angus, of Virden, to Bradshaw Brothers, of Griggsville.

The high-selling Simmental bull consigned by Rincker Simmentals, of Shelbyville, was sold for $10,000 to Dean Nelson, of Onieda. The second highest-selling Angus bull was also consigned by Evans Angus and sold for $14,000.

The high-selling Polled Hereford bull was consigned by Lowderman Cattle Company and sold for $10,500.

“Bulls are a significant contributor to profit or loss in a cattle herd,” Meteer said. “It’s crucial for cattle producers to have the IPT sale as a trusted source when looking to invest in a bull to strengthen their herd.”

Sale sponsors include U of I Extension; the Department of Animal Sciences, part of the College of ACES at the U of I in Urbana-Champaign; and consigning breeders.

Industry support included Axiota, Vita-Ferm, ABS, Zoetis, Dearwester Grain, FerAppease, Sievers JCB, Illinois Angus Association and Illinois Simmental Association.

Producers interested in viewing a breakdown of all the prices can visit the IPT Bull Sale website at IPTBullSale.com.

The website includes individual bull prices from the 2026 sale, as well as numbers and averages from previous years.

Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2027 IPT Bull Sale should contact Meteer at 217-430-7030 or wmeteer2@illinois.edu to request a copy of the rules and regulations and nomination form. Nominations need to be made by Dec. 1 for next year’s sale.