Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale Sets New Record

Annual event sees highest average price in its 58-year history.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on February 19th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield set an all-time record high average price of $7,284 per bull across 37 lots. The top-selling bull, an Angus yearling named Evans Bandolier 51, sold for $15,000 to Bradshaw Brothers of Griggsville, Illinois.

Why it matters

The IPT Bull Sale is a long-running and trusted source for high-quality breeding stock in the Midwest region. Strong sale results indicate continued demand from cattle producers for performance-tested genetics to improve the profitability of their herds.

The details

The IPT Bull Sale offers both older age-advantaged bulls and yearlings across multiple breeds. In addition to the $15,000 top-selling Angus bull, a Simmental bull consigned by Rincker Simmentals sold for $10,000, and the high-selling Polled Hereford bull from Lowderman Cattle Company sold for $10,500.

  • The 2026 IPT Bull Sale was held on February 19th.
  • The sale has been running for 58 years.

The players

Travis Meteer

IPT sale manager and University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator and beef cattle specialist.

Evans Angus

Consignor of the top-selling $15,000 Angus bull.

Bradshaw Brothers

Buyers of the $15,000 top-selling Angus bull.

Rincker Simmentals

Consignor of the $10,000 high-selling Simmental bull.

Lowderman Cattle Company

Consignor of the $10,500 high-selling Polled Hereford bull.

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What they’re saying

“The IPT Bull sale is and continues to be one of the best sources for total performance genetics in the Midwest.”

— Travis Meteer, IPT sale manager and University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator and beef cattle specialist

“Bulls are a significant contributor to profit or loss in a cattle herd. It's crucial for cattle producers to have the IPT sale as a trusted source when looking to invest in a bull to strengthen their herd.”

— Travis Meteer, IPT sale manager and University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator and beef cattle specialist

What’s next

Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2027 IPT Bull Sale should contact Travis Meteer by December 1, 2026 to request a copy of the rules and nomination form.

The takeaway

The continued strong performance of the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale demonstrates the value that Midwest cattle producers place on investing in high-quality, performance-tested breeding stock to improve the profitability of their herds.