Submitted by: Lindsey Craig, Director of Livestock Improvement
The 49th Annual Clemson Extension Bull Test Sale was held February 1st, 2025, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. The sale was one for the record books. We had our highest average ever at $6,975. We sold 51 bulls for a total of $355,750 in sales. The sale ring was packed with bidders and the online and phone bids were major contributors to the success of the sale. This year’s set of bulls were some of the most complete, industry leading bulls that we have ever had. We sold bulls with the help of DV Auction who handled our online bidding and we had bidders from all across the country. Bidders were from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee. Bulls went home to South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Iowa.
Our highest selling bull was lot 26, an angus bull consigned by Berry Wells Farm (Johnathon Wells) from Rayle, Georgia. Mr. Frank Howey from Ruby SC bought the bull for $24,500. This was one of 5 bulls Mr. Howey bought on the day. Lot 26 was a true standout in this year’s test. He took home awards for highest ADG at 6.7lbs, WDA at 4.23 lbs and Highest Index at 185.4. Bull 26 was an Elite bull with 4 EPDs in the top 1% of the breed with another 3 EPDs in the top 2% for the breed. He weighed off test at an impressive 1782lbs and was over 2100lbs on sale day.
Our second highest bull was lot 70 a SimAngus bulls consigned by Owens Family Farm, Steve Owens from Whitaker, NC. Mr. Frank Howey also bought bull 70 for $13,000. The striking looking bull with a blaze face had another set of impressive EPDs and was another Elite bull for our program. Lot 70 had several growth traits in the top 5% or higher of the breed and had a negative RFI meaning he will add efficient weight to his offspring.
Our third highest selling bull was lot 23, an angus bull from Allgood Angus, Jamie Allgood, from Athens, GA. Mr. Frank Howey again purchased this bull for $12,000. Bull 23 was another Elite bull with outstanding EPDs several of which were in the top 10% or better for the breed. Lot 23 was another negative RFI bull so his efficiency and growth characteristics are going to be beneficial traits to pass down to his offspring.
Our breed averages are as follows.
Angus average: $7482 (28 Angus bulls sold)
Red Angus Average: $4,666 (3 Red Angus bulls sold)
Hereford Average: $5656 (8 Hereford bulls sold)
Simmental Average: $7250 (3 Simmental bulls sold)
SimAngus Average: $7785 (7 SimAngus bulls sold)
Balancer Average: $5250 (1 Balancer bull sold)
Ultrablack Average: $5500 (1 Ultrablack bull sold)
Once again, on behalf of Clemson University, the Cooperative Extension Service as well as the Clemson Bull Test program, we thank our consignors, buyer’s and bidders for their dedication in breed improvement and excellence in genetic advancement within the beef industry! The confidence each of you has in the Clemson Bull Testing Program is humbling and appreciated.
The 49th Annual Sale was sold by Col. Dale Stith of Mays Lick, Kentucky. Ring men were Mr. Paul Wall of Athens GA, Mr. Michael Ryan of Townville SC and Mr. David Gazda of the American Angus Association. These four gentlemen are true professionals, and we thank them for a job well done. With all the sale enthusiasm these guys never missed a bid. Thank you, gentlemen! Please mark your calendars for the first Saturday in February 2026 for another powerful offering of industry improving bulls.
