Cornell All Forage Fed Bull Test is looking for a few good bulls. This will be the fourth year of the stored feed test; a new addition is an optional 84-day pasture component. Nancy Glazier, test coordinator states, "This is an exciting addition to the test. Beef producers have been asking for this important piece since the inception of the test."
The test has shown that bulls can gain over 2.0 lb. a day on an all forage diet. Data collected and shared with consignors includes weight and body condition. Carcass ultrasound and breeding soundness exams are conducted at the test's conclusion.
Consignor Morgan Hartman, Black Queen Angus remarked on the test: "The objective information and the experience I've gained by having my bulls at the Cornell All-Forage Bull Test have really helped me to make better assessments of my breeding program. In the future, the ONLY bulls I'll send to the test will be from one sire group, entirely home raised, and I'll be able to better compare apples to apples in my own breeding program. I know this will help me evaluate my cow herd through the evaluation of their bull calves. In addition, the fact the Bull Test continues to evolve and expand with guidance by a producer-driven steering committee and the excellent oversight by Nancy Glazier and Dr. Mike Baker, leads me to believe this opportunity to better my herd will only improve as the test continues. Finally, the development of these bulls and the option to consign them to a nationally marketed and advertised sale adds to my ability to meet my bull customers' needs."
Cost for the 112-day test will be $660. Delivery dates are January 6 and 7 with the test beginning January 13. Deadline to consign a bull has been extended to November 1. Nomination form with a non-refundable $50 deposit with check payable to Cornell University may be mailed to Mike Baker, 114 Morrison Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. If you are interested in consigning or want additional information, contact Nancy Glazier at (585) 315-7746, nig3@cornell.edu or Mike Baker at (607) 255-5923, mjb28@cornell.edu. Previous years' reports, test rules and forms can be found at http://beefcattle.ansci.cornell.edu/ under Events/Programs.