What the IBEP Performance Tested Bull Sale Is
The Indiana Beef Evaluation Program (IBEP) Performance Tested Bull Sale is the auction that ends a summer-long bull test run by Purdue with cooperating Indiana seedstock producers. Bulls are fed and measured side by side at a test station, then the best performers sell at Springville Feeder Auction in Lawrence County. Buyers get bulls with measured growth, ultrasound carcass data, breeding soundness exams, parentage verification and genomic-enhanced EPDs, in other words, "performance tested, ranch ready" bulls. The program's stated goal is performance-driven genetics for progressive cattle producers.
The most recent edition was the 98th IBEP Performance Tested Bull Sale on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. It followed the Springville Feeder Auction heifer and cow sale, and heifers and cows sold first, then the bulls. Viewing and live bidding were available online through CCI.Live.
What Was Offered in 2026
| Breed | Bulls |
|---|---|
| Angus | 21 |
| Percentage Simmental | 7 |
| Simmental | 3 |
| Gelbvieh Balancer | 1 |
| Total | 32 |
All 32 bulls were parentage verified to sire and dam and carried genomic-enhanced EPDs.
How the Test Works
The test is run at the Feldun-Purdue Ag Center, about three miles northwest of Bedford. Under the 2025 summer test rules, bulls arrived in early May, spent 111 days on test and were weighed at intervals, with ultrasound for ribeye area, fat depth, intramuscular fat and percent retail product, structure, disposition and foot scores, and a scrotal circumference measurement. Target gain was 3.25 to 3.50 pounds per head per day on a diet that was at least half forage.
A bull must rank in the upper part of its breed group on a Performance Index, pass the structural and disposition checks and a breeding soundness exam, be registered, and be parent verified with genomic EPDs before it is allowed in the sale. Sale order follows a Sale Index within breed that weighs gain, weight per day of age, intramuscular fat, ribeye area and calving ease and weaning weight EPDs.
Who Can Consign and What It Costs
Under the 2025 rules, any beef producer who is a member of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association could enter bulls born April 1 to September 30 of the year before the test, split into a senior division (April to June births) and a junior division (July to September births). Bulls had to be weaned and dehorned 30 days before delivery, weigh at least 450 pounds, and carry an approved vaccination program. Entry cost $350 for Indiana bulls ($375 out of state), with delivery and mid-test payments of $350 each, for a total testing fee of $1,050 per Indiana bull plus feed, health and sale costs. For reference, the 2024 sale expense was $497 per bull, 9.7 percent of a $5,111 average, with 27 of 30 bulls sold.
What Buyers Get
- Bulls selling for $4,000 or more carry a producer breeding guarantee for a non-functional breeder, with a refund of the purchase price minus $2,000.
- Mortality insurance is offered on sale day.
- Videos of the sale bulls are posted on CCI.LIVE, and sale bulls are freeze branded with the IBEP brand.
Where
Springville Feeder Auction, 4426 State Road 54 W, Springville, IN 47462. Purdue Agriculture's main office is at 765-494-8392.
Questions
Can I bid if I cannot attend?
Yes. Bids are taken live online through CCI.Live.
Are the 2025 rules the 2026 rules?
Fees and dates shift each test, so check the IBEP site for the current rules before consigning.
Official Links
- IBEP sale announcement
- Rules for the 2025 Summer Test
- Purdue news: beef evaluation program to present top bulls
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Lawrence County Fair
Fairgoers in Lawrence County gather in Bedford for the 8-day county fair, July 11 through July 18, 2026 (Saturday to Saturday). Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11 to July 18.
Bedford, IN Official event details - Gibson County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Pesticide applicator recertification program on Nov. 18, 2026 in the Exhibit Hall at the Gibson County Fairgrounds; registration opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Knox County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Two-hour pesticide applicator recertification session on Dec. 11, 2026 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vincennes, part of the Southwest District series.
401 Felt King Drive, Vincennes, IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Knox County Official event details - Ripley County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest and Family Fun Day
Summer shooting sports contest and family fun day for Ripley County 4-H members at the Coon Hunters Lodge, scheduled for July 10, 2027.
IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Ripley County Official event details - Fort Wayne Farm Show
Northeast Indiana's winter farm equipment show fills the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for three days with free admission. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 13 to 15, 2026.
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.