WBCIA offers test’s top 70 percent of bulls for sale on April 7 at Shoshoni
Shoshoni – “This may be the most functional and fertile set of bulls that we have fed for quite a while,” says Wyoming Beef Cattle Improvement Association (WBCIA) Bull Test Manager Bob Pingetzer of the cattle he’s been feeding at Pingetzer’s Bull and Heifer Development Center near Shoshoni.
“We are confident that the breeders are bringing some of their best bulls to the test,” he continues, urging, “Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase these quality genetics at very reasonable prices.”
The 2012 test saw more cattle at the center, from three or four new producers, which means there will be more available on sale day. Pingetzer says the cattle are still primarily from Wyoming, but Utah, Montana and Wisconsin are also represented.
Mild weather,
micromineral
UW Extension Livestock Specialist Scott Lake says gains were up this year, and he credits that to the mild winter.
“Everything was right on track,” says Lake. “They targeted a 3.25 pounds-per day gain, and they hit right at 3.2 pounds.”
This group of cattle received a little different vaccine protocol than before, with a micromineral shot, Multimin 90, added to the program.
“The micromineral is supposed to help with semen production, and it seemed to, because we didn’t have as many culled on that basis after changing to this program,” says Pingetzer. “We’re trying it in our heifers, too, because giving them the shot is said to increase conception rates in an AI breeding program, and we don’t yet know the results of that.”
Pingetzer says the facility continually tries new things like the micromineral to try to improve the cattle.
In 2012 a new breed group will be added to the WBCIA Bull Test Sale – Maine-cross calves, in addition to the traditional Angus and Red Angus.
“Those Maine-cross calves would fit into a Continental crossbreeding program for a producer,” says Pingetzer.
Sale day options
For the fifth year, DV Auctions will offer online bidding at dvauction.com, so those who are interested in purchasing a bull but can’t attend the sale can still take part.
Pingetzer says offering online bidding is hit and miss, depending on the year, but he thinks it’s starting to take hold.
“When we started the online bidding, it was new, but now there are many events going online, and even a lot of salebarns broadcast live auctions,” he notes. “People are getting more used to it, and they know what’s going on, and more producers also have access to internet and are more comfortable using it.”
Best of the best
“We feel that there are bulls here that will fill all your needs,” says Pingetzer. “Remember, only the top 70 percent sell, so you are getting ‘Wyoming’s Best of the Best.’”
Pingetzer encourages prospective buyers to stop by the center to look at the bulls.
“If you have questions, we’ll be happy to answer them, or put you in contact with the consignor,” he says.
Christy Martinez is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at christy@wylr.net.
WBCIA Bull Sale is April 7
The 27th Annual Wyoming Beef Cattle Improvement Association Bull Sale will be held April 7 at 1 p.m. at Pingetzer’s Bull and Heifer Development Center near Shoshoni. There will be 110 Angus, 30 Red Angus and two Maine-cross bulls offered for sale.
All bulls offered for sale at the WBCIA sale will have ultrasound data, semen testing and PAP tests, and they’re also all BVD-tested negative. Information on the bulls will be available on sale day, and the reports and catalog are also available at wbcia.org.
WBCIA in history
In January 1984 a group of beef cattle producers and several UW Extension members gathered in Casper to form the Wyoming Beef Cattle Improvement Association (WBCIA).
The organization was created to support beef cattle production in Wyoming by encouraging the use of improved cattle selection tools, cooperation with other state organizations and through research and education opportunities.
WBCIA aims to improve Wyoming beef cattle to meet the current and future demands of the beef cattle industry, and to enhance the financial opportunity for Wyoming beef cattle producers. The organization also seeks to maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of beef cattle production, with a major emphasis on selection of traits of economic importance
A nine-member Board of Directors, who serve in staggered three-year terms, administers the WBCIA. Two ex-officio members of the board include the UW Beef Cattle Extension Specialist (serving as Executive Secretary) and the Ag Marketing Specialist associated with the Wyoming Business Council’s Agribusiness Division. WBCIA membership consists of registered and commercial operations with all types and breeds of cattle. Associate memberships are available to all interested producers, operations, organizations and businesses.
The WBCIA Feedlot Test and Carcass Evaluation program was the first activity established by the board and is a tool for producers to better position their product for value-based marketing. The WBCIA Bull Test and Sale developed soon after.
