Positive herd progress requires trusted genetics. 

Cattle producers need to consider all genetic information when it comes to making decisions about their cattle herd. The Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has been a leader in introducing Illinois seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers to the latest evaluation technologies and practices. The sale has offered some of the best genetics based on performance standards utilized by the beef industry.

During the past 54 years, 4,905 bulls have sold for over $9 million dollars. Dedicated breeders and commercial cow-calf producers have trusted the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale for proven genetics.

All bulls will have genomic-enhanced EPDs. Genomic-enhanced EPDs are more accurate and predictable EPDs. Reducing the risk on these bulls means they can be trusted more now than ever to sire true to their values.

Sale format: Videos of bulls will be shown during the live auction instead of running through the sale ring. All bulls will be on display for buyer inspection during the sale. Halter-broke, as well as docile, non-halter-broke bulls are eligible. Non-haltered cattle will be screened for disposition prior to the sale. 

What to expect

Sale order and qualifications are determined by performance in multi-trait economic selection indexes. The sale order is based on the “% Rank” for a maternal and a terminal Dollar Value Index in each breed. The two indexes are included in the sale catalog and include:

• Angus: $Combined ($C) which consists of $Beef ($B) and $Maternal ($M)
• Simmental: All Purpose Index (API), Terminal Index (TI)
• Hereford: Baldy Maternal Index (BMI), Certified Hereford: Beef index (CHB)

Calving ease EPD must be in the top 85th percentile.

Genetic conditions: The most up-to-date policy on genetic recessive traits can be found on the IPT Bull Sale website.

• Angus and Simmental bulls must test free or free by the pedigree of AM, NH, and CA.
• Simmentals must also test free of OS, PHA, and TH.
• Hereford bulls must be free of IE and Hypotrichosis.

Health requirements: All breeding soundness exams must be conducted by a veterinarian.

• All bulls must test for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) using the Persistently Infected (PI) 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 bulls over 24 months, as well as bulls that have been exposed to cows, will be required to test for trich.
• Virgin bulls under 24 months of age will need a certificate or written statement endorsed by the bull owner indicating it has not been exposed.

For more information or questions, contact Travis Meteer, Illinois Extension commercial ag educator and beef specialist, at 217-430-7030 or email wmeteer2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.