Michigan’s premier bull appraisal program and facility
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The MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program Sale held at the Bull Evaluation Station in Remus, Mich., on March 16 saw a great turnout with consignors, buyers and MCA members in attendance. (MP Branded)
REMUS, Mich. — The MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program Sale held at the Bull Evaluation Station in Remus, Mich., on March 16 saw a great turnout with consignors, buyers and MCA members in attendance. The event is a product of longtime cooperative effort between the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association, Michigan State University, and Wernette Cattle Co. Presented by Wilbur-Ellis, and many other sponsors and partners, the sale draws national attraction by bringing superior sire candidates to the table.
The bull station celebrated its second year of success at the new location, and the first year with their new feed efficiency equipment. Michigan State University professor and faculty coordinator Dan Buskirk helped implement the new feed efficiency technology to enhance bull quality at the MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation Program.
Michigan Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Sara Horton Flokstra believed the groundbreaking addition would only enhance future bull sales. “Dr. Buskirk and his team at Michigan State have been instrumental in making the feed efficiency technology implementation happen at the bull barn. MCA is proud to partner with MSU in this endeavor as we put Michigan on the map as the state for soundness in great genetics. We are also grateful for our partnership with United Producers, Inc. and Sheridan Auction Service as they handle sale clerking and operations on sale day.”
When delivered at the station, bulls are evaluated on vaccine requirements, veterinary testing, and genetics. As sale day approaches, following Beef Improvement Federation guidelines, all bulls must pass rigorous tests before sale regarding physical appearance, docility, rate of gain, breeding soundness, and carcass traits.
On Saturday, March 2, buyers and supporters gathered at the bull barn for the sale open house. With more than 50 people in attendance, buyers and consignors viewed the quality of the bulls and started eyeing their bulls to take home. Two weeks later on March 16th, the group gathered for the sale. Karl Wernette, station manager and owner at Wernette Cattle Co, and Phil Smith, MCA Bull Test committee chair, spoke on behalf of their organizations and expressed gratitude for all attendees. Overall, 67 bulls were sold: 10 Simmental, 38 Angus, 2 Hereford, and 17 SimAngus, with the highest bull sale of the day from consignor Phil AcMoody for $18,500. At the end of the day, total sale gross came to $275,100.
Contact the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association at info@MICattlemen.org or 517-347-8117 for more details or with questions about how to get involved.
— Michigan Cattlemen’s Association
