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STOCKTON, Mo. – The Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center in Springfield, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Organized by the Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association, the longstanding sale will feature 39 bulls: 28 Angus, two Gelbvieh, one Simmental, seven SimAngus and one Maintainer.
“The sale uses genomics and performance measures to develop its bull offering,” Davis says. Expected progeny differences (EPDs) estimate how a bull’s offspring will perform and reflect the bull’s genetic merit. Consigned bulls must meet specific performance and EPD standards, including above-average EPDs for their breed in at least three of six categories: calving ease direct or birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk, ultrasound carcass intramuscular fat and ribeye area. Genomic testing is also required, increasing confidence in each bull’s genetic value. Davis says this rigorous screening helps buyers select bulls with superior performance and genetic merit—key considerations when choosing a new herd sire.
“MU Extension will offer an educational session on using EPDs to purchase bulls,” Davis says. “Buying Bulls by the Numbers” begins at 5:30 p.m. in the sale arena, before the sale.
For more information about the sale bulls or to request a catalog, contact sale manager Chase Hultgren at 417-880-4479.