Top Bulls on Sale This April

By Scout Nelson

The 32nd annual “Bulls Worth Waiting For” sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at the Animal Science Complex, East Campus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This event is organized by students in the Beef Cattle Merchandising (ASCI 456) class under the Department of Animal Science.

The day will begin with lunch and a viewing opportunity at the R.B. Warren Arena starting at 11 a.m., followed by the live auction at 1 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the sale will also be streamed online via DVAuction.

This year’s sale will feature around 55 yearling bulls. These include purebred Angus bulls as well as composites of Angus and Simmental breeds. The black-colored bulls, called “Husker Blacks,” are a blend of black Angus and Simmental, while the red-colored “Husker Reds” are a mix of red Angus and red Simmental genetics. All bulls come from the NU Beef Teaching Herd, which consists of 220 cows and is located at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska.

Each bull has undergone genetic testing and a careful selection process to ensure high-quality breeding stock. The sale offers an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking performance-tested bulls that are ready to support herd improvement.

The event is also a major hands-on learning experience for the students. Through the course, students gain practical skills in breeding cattle marketing, including advertising, data analysis, genetic evaluation, and overall sale management.

"This class and the sale are both great ways for us to talk about bulls and sell their genetics to potential buyers," said junior Carson Maricle. "When you're in a sale barn, you rarely talk to the buyer or know what they are looking to buy. At our sale, we have the opportunity to speak with buyers and help match bulls to their operations to help them meet their goals."

Additional details, including the bull sale catalog and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), are available on the event’s official website. The catalog also includes guidance on viewing the bulls before sale day and how to participate in the online auction.

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