The Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale was the lead-off event of the 2014 Illinois Beef Expo held on Feb. 20 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. The sale had the highest overall average in the 46 year history at $3,840 on 51 lots.

"This sale has developed into one of the most reliable sources of performance bulls in the Midwest," said Travis Meteer, IPT sale manager. "During the past 46 years, the sale has sold 4,576 bulls valued at over 7.9 million dollars."

There were three breeds represented in the 2014 sale: Angus, Simmental, Polled Hereford. The high selling bull was an Angus bull consigned by Hobbs Angus, Good Hope, IL. He sold for $9,000 to Kevin Payne, Brownstown, IL.

The top selling Simmental bull was consigned by Bob Fitzpatrick, Milan, IL. He sold for $7, 000 to William Ivie, Morton, IL. White Willow Polled Herefords consigned the top selling Polled Hereford bull which sold to Charles Richardson, Jacksonville, IL at $4,000.

The University of Illinois (U of I) Extension, U of I Department of Animal Sciences, and consigning breeders sponsored the sale. Also, Vita Ferm, Merial, Zoetis, ABS, Illinois Angus Association, and Illinois Simmental Association provided support for the sale.

Producers interested in viewing a breakdown of all the prices can visit the IPT Bull Sale website at www.IPTBullSale.com. Also included on this site are the individual bull prices from the 2014 sale and the numbers and averages from the previous 45 sales.

Seed-stock breeders interested in consigning to the 2015 IPT Bull Sale should contact Travis Meteer via email wmeteer2@illinois.edu to receive a copy of the rules and regulation and nomination form. Nominations need to be made by Dec.15, 2014, for the 2015 sale.