By Andi Anderson
Strengthening cattle herds with trusted genetics continues to be a key goal for beef producers. The annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale helps support this goal by offering access to high quality bulls backed by proven performance data.
The sale takes place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield and helps kick off the 2026 Illinois Beef Expo.
The event brings together producers families and youth from across the state. Many Illinois 4-H members attend the Beef Expo throughout the week to show cattle and learn more about the beef industry.
“The sale is a yearly staple for many to attend as well as a reputable source for producers to add high-quality genetics to their herds,” says Travis Meteer, sale manager, commercial agriculture educator, and beef cattle specialist at University of Illinois Extension.
Over the past 57 years more than 5,000 bulls have been sold through the program with total sales exceeding $10 million. Dedicated breeders and commercial cow calf producers rely on the sale for access to proven genetics and modern evaluation practices.
“Every year we get to put together another strong set of bulls for Illinois cattle producers, we know we are impacting success for the beef industry,” says Meteer.
Buyers are able to view all bulls on display before the auction. The sale is held in the Artisans Building where videos of the bulls are shown during the live auction. Both halter broke bulls and docile non halter broke bulls are eligible. All non haltered cattle are screened for disposition prior to the sale.
Sale order and qualifications are based on multi trait economic selection indexes. These include Angus $Combined Simmental All Purpose and Terminal Indexes and Hereford maternal and beef indexes.
Calving ease expected progeny differences must fall within the top 85th percentile. All bulls also complete breeding soundness exams conducted by a veterinarian.
Additional details bull photos and the 2026 digital sale catalog are available at the website. The event is supported by Illinois Extension industry partners and breed associations. For sale questions or accommodation needs producers may contact Travis Meteer directly using the information provided by University of Illinois Extension.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: Illinois, Education