By Andi Anderson
Western Illinois University (WIU) successfully hosted its 53rd Annual Bull Test Sale on March 7 at the WIU Livestock Center. The event featured top-quality bulls, including Angus, Simmental, Percentage Simmental, and Red Angus, along with WIU replacement heifers and bred cows.
The sale attracted over 60 registered bidders and more than 150 attendees, making it one of the most successful events in its history.
Bidders showed strong interest in the high-quality cattle, leading to impressive sale prices. The bulls averaged $6,235, bred cows $3,300, and replacement heifers $2,133.
The top-selling bull, Lot 2 - WS Knock Out 19, a Percentage Simmental consigned by Bill Washburn of Onley, Illinois, was sold for $9,000 and will be heading to Indiana. The volume buyer, Jon Davis from Elmwood, Illinois, purchased three bulls and three females.
The Bull Test Sale has been a key event at WIU’s School of Agriculture for over five decades. Faculty, farm staff, and students worked together to organize and execute the event.
This year marked the first time WIU-bred heifers and cows were included in the sale. "We truly appreciate our consignors who trust us with their animals and our buyers who attended. This was one of the best sales on record," said WIU Ag Director Andy Baker.
This event serves as a hands-on learning experience for students. Consignors receive the proceeds from their animals, while WIU benefits from yardage and labor fees. The sale supports WIU’s agricultural programs, reinforcing its commitment to livestock excellence and student education.
The event’s success was made possible through the hard work of WIU’s farm staff and students, led by Keela Trennepohl. Their dedication helped ensure the smooth execution of this annual tradition.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle