Recent Tested-Bull Sale Has Strong Average
SPRINGFIELD — The 89th sale of performance-evaluated bulls on March 27 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center in Springfield had a surprisingly strong average at $3754 on 36 head.
The sale is conducted by the Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association in cooperation with University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists.
“Recent rains, a positive tone to the feeder market and an assortment of above average expected progeny differences (EDPs) on the bulls contributed to the strong sale,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Topping the offering of 38 bulls was an October 2015 bull consigned by Truman L. Wiles, Willow Springs. The victor in the active bidding at $7100 was Brachenridge Brothers, El Dorado Springs.
“That almost sounds like a broken record as that buyer/ seller combination has been replayed for the last 5 sales,” said Cole.
The bull combined calving ease, growth, milk, marbling, $ Wean and $ Beef EPDs along with a seven frame score. In addition, his EPDs were enhanced with a genomic prediction, which improved his accuracies as if he had already had 10 to 20 calves on the ground.
The 32 Angus bulls led the breed average with $3855. The volume buyer of Angus was Taylor Farms, Purdy who claimed six, top performers at an average of $3733.
“The firm has been a longtime buyer of tested bulls dating back into the 60’s when they purchased bulls at the state sale in Columbia,” said Cole.
Three Polled Hereford bulls had an average of $3100, Bonebrake Herefords, Springfield, consigned all. The top bull brought $3300 and sold to repeat buyer, Gerald Eggerman, South Greenfield.
One Gelbvieh bull brought $2500 for the seller, Weber Cattle, Lamar. James Nivens, La Russell was the buyer.
Requirements for the sale include that the bulls rank in the 50th percentile or better for three of the following EPDs: calving ease direct, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk, marbling and ribeye area. They must be a 5-frame or better and have an 1100 pound, 365 day adjusted weight.
There are geographic limits for consignors and include the southwesterly counties going from Nevada to Lebanon and south to Howell county.
For more information, contact any of the MU Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri: Eldon Cole in Lawrence County, 417-466-3102; Andy McCorkill in Dallas County at 417-345-7551; Dr. Randy Wiedmeier, in Douglas County at 417-679-3525; or Dr. Patrick Davis in Cedar County at 417-276-3313.
Those interested can also call the sale manager, Pam Naylor, in Buffalo at 417-8806039.
The next sale will be Oct. 30, 2017.