Harrisburg, PA – Beef producers will have an opportunity to buy some of the best genetics in the Northeast during the annual PA Performance-Tested Bull Sale at Pennsylvania's Livestock Evaluation Center in Pennsylvania Furnace in Centre County on Friday, March 31 at noon. Pennsylvania beef producers can apply for $1,000 grants from the state-supported Center for Beef Excellence to help finance purchase of a bull.
"For 50 years, Pennsylvania's Performance-Tested Bull Sale has offered beef producers quality assurance," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. "Whether you're a seasoned producer, just getting started, or scaling up your operation, the sale offers an opportunity to know you're making a sound investment in your business."
Bulls enrolled in the program complete a 112-day test evaluating average daily gain, weight per day of age, feed efficiency, loin muscle size, and fat deposition. Bulls must also pass a breeding soundness exam. A sale committee evaluates the bulls based on their performance and selects the best bulls for the auction.
"The PA Performance Bull Test is a great place for breeders to market their bulls," said Dr. Alexis Cash of Cash Family Angus in York. "Buyers of these bulls also get added value from the program due to the testing.
"I am the third generation to sell bulls through the program. We are able to capture so much more information, such as feed efficiency, ultra-sound data, and yearling measurements. This information helps us make breeding decisions at our farm for the next generations."
There are 132 bulls in the test, including 86 Angus, 13 Herefords, 10 Simmentals, seven Red Angus, five Black Herefords, one Limousin, one Shorthorn, and nine SimAngus. All bulls are consigned by Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York or New Jersey producers.
The fastest gaining bull at the 90-day mark was an Angus gaining 5.81 pounds per day consigned by Jim Kohr of York. The leading Simmental, consigned by Hartland Farms of Fort Loudon in Franklin County, was gaining 4.78 pounds per day. The top-performing Hereford bull, consigned by Glade Haven Herefords of PennYan, NY, was gaining 4.5 lbs. per day.
Pennsylvania beef producers can qualify for $1,000 credit toward purchases at the sale through the Center for Beef Excellence Bull Credit Program. Applications must be submitted by May 30, 2023. For info on qualifying purchases, or to apply, visit the center's website, beefexcellence.com.
Final weights and information will be compiled into a catalog prior to the March 31 sale, available on Livestock Evaluation Center's page on the department's website, and mailed on request.
The center will also host the Pennsylvania Angus Association Finest Female Sale and Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association Trade Show in conjunction with the March 31 auction.
Find more information on investments and initiatives to grow and sustain Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry at agriculture.pa.gov.
Media Contact: Shannon Powers – shpowers@pa.gov
# # #