The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) welcomed exhibitors, consignors, partners, and friends to the 2024 Michigan Beef Expo and Trade Show, celebrating its 34th anniversary this year. Presented by Burnips Equipment, Great Lakes Sire Service, and more than 50 additional sponsors and partners, the Michigan Beef Expo, Feb. 23-25, put Michigan on the map in the Great Lakes cattle market.

On Friday morning of the expo, at MCA’s annual meeting, members elected returning and new board members. Topics discussed included committee reports from each standing committee, as well as policy updates. MCA presented the inaugural Industry Excellence Award to Quentin Harwood. Harwood was able to join us in-person and spoke to attendees about the history of the Michigan Beef Expo and the importance of membership.

This year also held the first year of the Friday Night Lights frozen genetics auction. The sale saw positive attendance and generated over $36,700 in sales. Prior to the sale, members and exhibitors joined the Michigan Beef Expo Friday Night reception, presented by JBS and Byron Center Meats.

Friday’s breed show saw much success. More than 100 cattle were exhibited, and each breed in Michigan breed associations were featured. The supreme champion bull was awarded to Flat River Livestock, featuring a Michigan bred, born, and raised Simmental bull. The supreme champion heifer title was won by 3G Cattle, a Simmental percentage female. The show was judged by PJ Budler, the first judge ever to judge on six continents.

Saturday’s live lot sale generated more than $370,000 in sales. The average bull sold for $3,471. The average open female sold for $2,922. The average bred heifer sold for $4,322, and the average cow/calf pair sold for $4,516. Between both sales, there were 375 registered buyers, with almost 100 buyers bidding online and about 50 buyers registered from other states and Canada.

Contact the MCA at info@MICattlemen.org or 517-347-8117 for more details or with questions about how to get involved.