Beef cattle breeders in the southwest Missouri are invited to consign bulls to the Oct. 31 tested bull sale at Springfield Livestock Marketing Center.

The 88th sale since 1973 is sponsored by the Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association in cooperation with University of Missouri Extension.

The eligible counties for consignors run from Vernon County east to Laclede then south through Texas and Howell counties to the Arkansas line.  Twenty-three counties are involved.

Eligible bulls must have been calved from Dec. 1, 2014, through Sept. 30, 2015.  Bulls must be registered and have yearling data along with their breed’s standard expected progeny for known genetic defects of a breed must be tested and found free of defects.

Qualifications for bulls include:  an 1100 pound or better 365-day adjusted weight; 49 inches 5 frame) yearling height; must rank in the 50th percentile or better for three of the following EPDs, calving ease, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk, marbling and rib-eye area for non-parent bulls in the breed’s most recent sire evaluation. Genomic tests are not required but do enhance the EPDs and increase their accuracy thus are encouraged.

“This is an all-breed sale, and appropriately registered composite bulls are eligible so long as all other criteria are met,” said Eldon Cole, livestock specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Consignments must be turned in no later than Sept. 3 to sale manager, Pam Naylor of Buffalo.  Interested individuals can reach her at 417-345-8330.

Other questions about the sale and the use of objective data in bull selection may be directed to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists.  MU Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri: Eldon Cole in Lawrence County, (417) 466-3102; Andy McCorkill in Dallas County at (417) 345-7551; Dr. Randy Wiedmeier, in Howell County at (417) 256-2391; or Dr. Patrick Davis in Cedar County at (417) 276-3313.