Midland Bull Test boasts largest feed efficiency testing program in North America
When Midland Bull Test was founded in 1962 by Leo McDonnell, Sr. and a small group of purebred breeders, the concept of weighing and measuring cattle and publishing the resulting data was not met favorably by other breeders across the nation.
“However, under this constant pressure from the opponents of performance, Midland Bull Test, the Montana Beef Performance Association and several staunch seedstock producers continued to define, refine and promote performance as a primary tool in managing the profitability of the cow herd,” notes the Midland Bull Test website.
More than six decades later, this resilience and grit gave way to the largest feed efficiency testing program in North America, offering producers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to develop and market sound, functional, total-performance bulls “that are ready to go to work.”
The test
Each year, Midland Bull Test evaluates about 1,100 purebred bulls from 200 consignors representing more than 32 states.
Bulls are entered in to a 112-day performance test in the fall, in which data is collected on average daily gain, weight per day of age, ultrasound, feed efficiency and breeding soundness. Then, the top 80 percent of bulls are sold in the Final Sort Sale.
“Over the last few decades, Midland has collected as much – if not more – ultrasound data than just about any other location in the country,” states the website, which goes on to explain ultrasound data is collected in accordance with guidelines developed by the Ultrasound Governance Committee, tasked with overseeing ultrasound matters of the U.S. Beef Breeds Council.
Ultrasound images are submitted to UltraInsights, a centralized ultrasound processing lab, and data is submitted for all bulls enrolled in their respective breed association’s performance program.
Additionally, Midland Bull Test gathers efficiency data using a GrowSafe System known as Vytelle, which measures the feed efficiency of each individual bull by tracking feed consumption through an electronic identification tag. This is then used to calculate residual feed intake – a correlation of the pounds of gain to pounds of intake – and, therefore, the increment cost of gain.
Bulls in the test are also required to pass a breeding soundness exam, which evaluates extension, motility, morphology, scrotal circumference and semen volume and concentration.
“Such a special bull comes out of Midland Bull Test because of all of the selection pressure,” shares Leo McDonnell, Jr. in an “AngusTV” YouTube video celebrating Midland’s 50th anniversary. “There is nowhere else in the world where producers can find bulls through such a strict criteria process.”
The sale
This year, the Midland Bull Test Final Sort Sale will offer over 500 high-end bulls in Columbus, Mont. on April 3-4.
An impressive assortment of Gelbvieh, Lim-Flex, Salers, Simmental, South Devon and Red Angus bulls will sell on April 3 starting at 1 p.m., and Angus bulls will sell on April 4 at 11 a.m.
Prior to the test, Midland personnel will host a social gathering on April 2 from 3-7 p.m. to give buyers the opportunity to view bulls and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
Following the multi-breed sale on April 3, producers can attend a complimentary steak dinner with live music at the new Civic Center in Columbus, Mont. Coffee and donuts will be served the morning of April 4, followed by a complimentary lunch during the Angus sale.
The website notes sale order will be determined by the Midland Bull Test Index and Estimated Sale Value, which will be posted online on sale day.
Each animal will be sold to the highest bidder, with the auctioneer settling any differences.
Cattle will sell according to health regulations of the state of Montana. A transferred certificate of registry will be furnished to the buyer for each animal after settlement has been made.
Bulls sold into states requiring trichomoniasis testing will be tested after the sale, and trucking arrangements will be made in short order.
Cattle will be delivered to central locations, such as stockyards, in the lower 48 states. More information on delivery is available in the Midland Bull Test Final Sort Sale catalog.
The sale will be broadcast live at cci.live. Buyers may bid online or use telephone bid lines at 406-322-9911 or 406-322-9044. All buyers must register prior to the sale, and new buyers must provide bank references.
Joe and Greg Goggins will serve as auctioneers for the sale. Breed field representatives and livestock publication representatives will be available.
A sale catalog is available at midlandbulltest.com. On sale day, more information will be available online or by calling 406-322-5597, 406-322-9911 or 406-322-9044.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
