PENNSYLVANIA FURNACE, Pa. — Beef producers received $276,500 for top-quality bulls at the record-breaking 39th Pennsylvania Performance Tested Bull Sale March 30, at the Pennsylvania Livestock Evaluation Center in Pennsylvania Furnace, Centre Co.
Producers from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states sold 93 bulls representing the Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, SimAngus and Simmental breeds. The bulls averaged $2,973 per head, breaking the sale average record as well as the gross sale record.
Top sellers
Three Angus bulls topped the sale, selling for $4,500 each, consigned by Kohr Farms of York, York Co., and sold to Stanley Crone of Danville, Montour Co.; Farm of Daisytown, Cambria Co., sold to Thomas Culbert of Wellsville, N.Y.; and Weaverland Valley Farms of New Holland, Lancaster Co., sold to Dennis Hines of Loretto, Cambria Co.
The top-gaining bull, an Angus consigned by Monte Nisewander, Greencastle, Franklin Co., sold for $3,800 to Douglas Stewart of Rome, Bradford Co.
Fifty-seven Angus bulls averaged $3,171, seven Herefords averaged $2,543, the Limousin brought $2,100, five Red Angus averaged $3,400, the SimAngus brought $3,000 and 22 Simmentals averaged $2,541.
Testing
The bulls completed a 112-day test at the center that evaluated average daily gain, carcass traits and feed efficiency. After the testing period, the bulls were ultrasonically scanned to determine ribeye area, marbling and fat thickness and examined for breeding soundness.
The testing program is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to promote a higher level of performance genetics within the beef industry. Selecting for economically important traits benefits producer and consumer through breeding and raising of more efficient animals that produce higher-quality beef.
For more information on the bull test, contact Livestock Evaluation Center staff at 814-238-2527 or ghubbard@pa.gov. For more information on the center and other performance testing programs and sales, go to www.livestockevaluationcenter.com.
