When the gavel falls this Saturday, April 4th, at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm, it will mark the 69th year of the Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association (WBIA) Sale.
WBIA is preparing for its annual bull sale, an event that serves as the culmination of a100-day testing period designed to filter the best genetics for regional producers. Unlike many sales the bulls are not pampered in an effort to influence their appearance. The WBIA puts every bull through a standardized management program that ensures an even playing field.
Allan Arndt, WBIA President, Simmental Director and a longtime consigner, notes that the central location and management ensures the bulls’ genetic value shines through. “When you bring your bulls into a central location, and they all get the same management, they all get the same feed, and they all get the same care for 100 days, they kind of sort themselves a little bit,” Arndt said. “They either sink or swim when they’re there.”
The sink or swim mentality is backed by science. While the sale once focused strictly on high-energy rations and maximum weight gain, the association shifted in the late 1990s to a forage-based diet. This change reflects a pivot in the beef industry toward cattle that are more efficient, mobile, and have greater longevity in the pasture.
Sale eligible bulls must meet a strict threshold of gaining three pounds per day on the forage ration. Those that don’t meet the mark, or fail evaluations for structural soundness and disposition, are sent home.
Buyers
Whether buyers are prioritize budget or in need of progressive genetics, all those in need of a bull are encouraged to attend the sale. WBIA emphasizes that the intensive culling process provides a layer of quality security for buyers. “We’re thinning the herd and giving a better selection to the buyers,” Arndt explained. “We’re also providing that feedback to the consignors that says, the type of bull you brought last time didn’t fit. Maybe you could think about something different.”
The sale features a variety of breeds and traits, including calving ease, growth, and carcass quality. While the WBIA encourages producers to attend in person to see the phenotype of the animals firsthand, bidding is also available via telephone and through DVAuction.
The sale kicks off at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 4. With decades of data, WBIA remains a cornerstone for Wisconsin producers looking to improve their herds’ bottom line.
