Over the weekend of November 19-21, twenty-five highland bull calves from around the country gathered at Drover Hill Farm in Earlville, NY to start AHCA’s first Central Bull Test. After their initial weigh in and tagging they were let out into their new home – a two acre hillside pasture. The next few days were filled with the bulls getting to know each other and learning to eat from the bunk feeder. On December 10th their initial test weights were taken and the it’s "off to the races!" Monthly weights will be taken to calculate their rate of gain, and, at the end of the test, they will be measured by ultrasound, semen checked, frame scored and have their scrotal circumference measured. The top half of these highly evaluated bulls will then be offered for sale the third weekend in May. The bull sale will be on May 20, 2000 in conjunction with the NEHCA meeting and will be in Dryden, NY.
Whether you have Highlands for fun, show, beef, seedstock or a combination of these reasons, you should carefully consider these bulls. Represented on this test are some of the finest genetics available from some of the top farms in the breed. Past show winners, top performers, National Champions, the pedigrees on these bulls are first rate. Each and every bull that makes the sale will be the type to improve any herd in the country.
If you have any question about the test or would like more information on any of the bulls, feel free to contact any of the owners. Monthly reports will be sent out and will be available here at AHCA’s homepage. If you would like to have these updates sent to you contact William Lipsey (315) 691-2327 or email droverhill@aol.com. If you would like to purchase a bull from the sale but are concerned about trucking, again contact any of the consignors or William Lipsey and they will try to find a reasonable solution.
Photos of the bulls are available here.Final Results:
The first AHCA Performance Tested Bull Test Sale was a great success. A large crowd watched 19 bulls sell to buyers in 10 states and average $2194. The top selling bulls set a new breed record for auctions in the US.
Lot 125, DH Excel sold for $7000 to Frank Manafort of Winners Circle Ranch in Springfield VT. The bull was consigned by Drover Hill Farm.
Stonecliffe Highlands consigned lot 103, Broadstone 18th of Stonecliffe, who also sold for $7000. He was purchased by Larry Zea of Zealand Farm, Blackduck MN and Mark and Nancy Beard of Beard Highland Acres, Walker MN.
Lot 123, Dunvegan's Ben of Bracadale, consigned by Dunvegan Farm brought $5050. He sold to Frank Manafort.
Lot 118, RPF Jurgen J-2, consigned by River Bend Highlands went for $4250. The buyer was Gerald Schulz of Pretty Penny Farm, Plymouth WI.
A number of other bulls sold for $2000+.
All the consignors and buyers should be thanked for making this an exciting day in the highland breed.
William Lipsey