Released Nov. 8, 2007
STILLWATER, Okla. – Forty-seven head of Oklahoma’s best quality bulls sold for an average of $2,461 at the recent Oklahoma BEEF Inc. Fall Test Sale at Oklahoma State University.
Competition for the OBI performance-tested bulls was fierce as the potential herd sires brought in a total of $115,650 at an auction attended by cattle breeders from Oklahoma and surrounding states.
“Use of performance-tested bulls that are outstanding in their breed groups can translate into managing more profitable herds,” said Bob Kropp, OSU professor of animal science and executive secretary of OBI, the nation’s second-largest test station.
A high percentage of the genetics within a beef herd is directly related to the decisions made in purchasing herd sires over a period of years.
Breed averages for the OBI fall sale were: Angus, 37 head averaging $2,500; Hereford, eight head averaging $2,256; and Simmental, two head averaging $2,550.
Top-selling Angus bulls were consigned by LS Angus of Marshall, 74-51 Cattle Co. of Oklahoma City and Brookshire Farms of Cyril. The bulls were purchased by Murray State College of Tishomingo, Joe Bush of Shidler and Bryant Reeves of Muldrow, respectively.
Durham Ranch of Stillwater consigned the top-selling Hereford bull, which was bought by Terry Sparkman of Muldrow.
Willis Simmentals of Marietta consigned the top-selling Simmental bull. The animal was purchased by Newton’s R&R Ranch of Gentry.
Forty-one head of replacement heifers also were auctioned off at the OBI fall sale, bringing in a total of $46,715 for an average sale price of slightly more than $1,139 per head.
Cabin Creek Corral of Cushing and Agri-Services of Oklahoma City each consigned two of the four top-selling heifers. Newton’s R&R Ranch and Alan Casey of Coalgate each purchased one of the animals. The other two heifers were purchased by Bob and Sheila Evans of Tecumseh.
OBI tests approximately 700 bulls yearly and merchandises 300 of them through two all-breed sales held in March and October. To qualify for the sale, bulls must perform in the top 70 percent of their contemporary group and pass a breeding soundness exam. The October sale also features a select group of heifers consigned by OBI clients.
All bulls are tested according to the procedures recommended by the Beef Improvement Federation Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Program.
Breeder-owned-and-financed, OBI’s governing board of directors consists of nine member breeds. Nonmember breeds are welcome to host performance tests at OBI, although the number of breeds and frequency of tests varies.
Animal science personnel with the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources serve as voting members of the board of directors and as advisers to the test rules committees.
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Contact: Donald Stotts, (405 744-4079, donald.stotts@okstate.edu
