You've reached the Virginia Cooperative Extension Newsletter Archive. These files cover more than ten years of newsletters posted on our old website (through April/May 2009), and are provided for historical purposes only. As such, they may contain out-of-date references and broken links.
To see our latest newsletters and current information, visit our website at http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/.
Newsletter Archive index: http://sites.ext.vt.edu/newsletter-archive/
Beef Update
Livestock Update, June 2001
Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, VA Tech
This was the 43rd year for the Culpeper test station, now operated by Glenmary Farm, Tom and Kim Nixon owners, of Rapidan, Virginia. In the senior group at Culpeper (bulls born September 1 through December 15, 1999), 92 bulls were tested and had 3.96 ADG and an adjusted yearling weight of 1216. The 113 Culpeper junior bulls (born December 16, 1999 to March 31, 2000) recorded test performance of 3.81 ADG and 1184 adjusted yearling weight. The test station at Wytheville completed its 22nd year, and is owned and operated by Danny Umberger. Of the 195 total bulls tested at Wytheville, 80 were senior bulls (born October 1 through December 31, 1999) and 115 juniors (born January 1 to March 31, 2000). Senior bulls at Wytheville had a test ADG of 3.79 and adjusted yearling weight of 1176, while the junior bulls recorded 3.62 ADG and 1206 adjusted yearling weight. Across the two stations and four test groups ranging in length from 112 to 133 days, the 400 total bulls averaged 3.79 ADG and 1196 adjusted yearling weight. These 400 bulls included 331 Angus, 29 Simmental, 20 Charolais, 12 Hereford, 6 Gelbvieh, and 2 Limousin.
In the three sales held, the 262 bulls grossed $505,800 to average $1931. The 62 Culpeper Senior bulls averaged $2015, 72 Culpeper Junior bulls $1525, and 128 Wytheville Senior and Junior bulls $2118. Across all three sales, 215 Angus averaged $1905, 21 Simmental averaged $2524, 11 Charolais averaged $2173, 8 Hereford averaged $1134, 5 Gelbvieh averaged $1420, and 2 Limousin averaged $1600. Average test and sale costs for bulls sold during the 2000-01 season was $710, for an average return of $1221 to the consignor per bull sold.
A total of 99 breeders participated in the Central Bull Test Station program. There were 82 Virginia breeders, and a total of 17 from the surrounding states of Tennessee (7), West Virginia (6), Maryland (3), and District of Columbia (1). Several breeders participated in more than one test and sale. Of the 262 bulls sold, 222 were purchased by Virginia buyers and 40 (15.3%) sold out of state.
All bulls tested and sold were consigned by breeders who are members of the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association. Virginia BCIA was the first state beef cattle improvement association organized in 1955. For information concerning the Central Bull Test Station program for 2001-02 contact the Virginia BCIA office at (540) 231-9163.
The Culpeper station at Glenmary Farm in Rapidan, VA will test two sets of bulls. Senior bulls (born September 1 to December 15, 2000) will be delivered July 17 and tested for 112 days with eligible bulls selling December 8. Along with these bulls, there will be room for approximately 40 custom test bulls. These custom test bulls will be evaluated along with the Senior bulls, but will not be eligible for the December 8 sale. The Junior test group (bulls born December 16, 2000 to March 31, 2001) will be taken in at the station November 6, tested for 119 days, and sold April 5, 2002.
The Southwest Bull Test Station in Wytheville, VA will test two age groups of bulls- Senior bulls born October 1 to December 31, 2000 and Junior bulls born January 1 to March 31, 2001. Both sets of bulls are scheduled to arrive at the station October 2. Senior bulls will be tested for 112 days, and Junior bulls for 133 days. Eligible bulls in both test groups will be sold on March 23, 2002.
In the 2000-01 season, a total of 400 bulls were evaluated through the Virginia central test stations. A total of 262 bulls sold through three sales for an average price of $1931. Average test and sale costs for bulls sold during the 2000-01 season was $710, for an average return of $1221 to the consignor per bull sold.
Registered bulls of any recognized beef breed, or recorded percentage bulls of breeds which have an open herd book are eligible for the central tests. All bulls must be recorded in their respective breed association, and have a complete performance record (including EPDs). Bulls must also meet breed-specific minimum YW EPD requirements, individual performance specifications, as well as pre-delivery health and management protocol to be eligible for the tests. Nomination intentions are due to Virginia BCIA June 15.
Breeders in Virginia and bordering states who are members of Virginia BCIA are eligible to consign bulls. For copies of the rules and regulations as well as entry information regarding the 2001-02 central bull tests, contact the Virginia BCIA office at 540-231-9163.
Bulls born September 1, 1999 to October 31, 2000 will be eligible for the sales. Bulls must have been performance tested, and have complete weaning and yearling records available. Bulls must also meet breed-specific minimum YW EPD requirements, and individual performance specifications.
The sale at Blackstone will offer both bred and open heifers, while at Staunton only bred heifers will be offered. All females must be enrolled in the Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Program to be eligible for the sales at Blackstone and Staunton.
Breeders in Virginia and bordering states who are members of Virginia BCIA are eligible to consign bulls (only Virginia breeders may consign heifers). The sales will be managed by VA Sale Services in Staunton, VA. For copies of the rules and regulations as well as entry information, contact the Virginia BCIA office at 540-231-9163. Consignment deadline is October 1.