SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Herd knowledge, experience, and the addition of trusted genetics can take a beef cattle herd into new beginnings. Start off the year by attending the annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at 11 a.m. on Feb. 20 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale helps kick off the 2025 Illinois Beef Expo, where families, including many Illinois 4-H members, spend the week learning skills and showing their cattle. 

During the past 56 years, 4,997 bulls have sold for over $9.5 million dollars through the IPT bull sale. 

“We’re excited to bring another set of bulls to Springfield for cattle producers to spend the morning networking and adding elite genetics to their herds,” says Travis Meteer, sale manager, commercial agriculture educator, and beef cattle specialist at University of Illinois Extension. “Along with history and tradition, the sale has offered some of the best genetics based on performance standards utilized by the beef industry.”

The sale format includes availability to view all bulls as they will be on display for buyer inspection before the sale. The sale will take place in the Artisans Building, where attendees will view videos of bulls shown during the live auction instead of running through the sale ring. Halter-broke, as well as docile, non-halter-broke bulls are eligible. All non-haltered cattle will be screened for disposition before the sale.

For the most up-to-date policy on genetic recessive traits and health requirements, visit iptbullsale.com/.