What the High Altitude Bull Test and Sale Is
The University of Wyoming High Altitude Bull Test lets producers evaluate potential sires for the risk of pulmonary hypertension, also called high-altitude disease, before buying. Bulls are tested at the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) at 7,200 feet, and the test also produces performance data and PAP-tested bulls while giving UW students hands-on experience. It ends each spring with a free field day and a bull sale. The fourth annual sale was held Saturday, March 28, 2026.
How the Test Works
- Consign in the fall. Bulls of any breed, registered or commercial, may be consigned. Accepted ages are yearlings and two-year-olds, and each producer may consign up to 10 bulls. For the 2024-25 test, entries closed on October 25.
- Deliver to Laramie. In the 2024-25 test, bulls were delivered to LREC Monday through Friday, November 4 to 8. The 2025-26 bulls had been on test at the center since November.
- Screening. The first 45 days are a screening period. Bulls with acceptable initial PAP results stay on test for further assessments.
- Testing. Testing includes pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) tests, breeding soundness exams, carcass ultrasounds and feed efficiency tests (feed-to-gain, residual feed intake and average daily gain).
- Sale. Bulls sell at the field day sale in March.
Fees
The entry fee for each bull is due on arrival. Feed, testing and yardage costs are due by the end of the test.
Sale Day, March 28, 2026
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri., March 27, noon to 5 p.m. | Bull preview |
| Sat., March 28, from 9 a.m. | Bull preview continues |
| 10 a.m. | Field day (free and open to the public) |
| Noon | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. | Sale, also broadcast on DVAuction |
The field day program featured Zach McFarlane of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on feed efficiency and feeding behavior in young bulls, UW students presenting the 2025-26 test results, and Tyler Cozzens of the Livestock Marketing Information Center on the cattle market outlook. The field day is held at the Cliff and Martha Hansen Teaching Arena.
What Buyers Get
In 2026 the sale offered 40 yearling bulls and 17 two-year-old bulls: Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Red Angus, Charolais and Wagyu cross. The online catalog lists PAP scores, expected progeny differences (EPDs) and growth performance for every bull, with feed efficiency and carcass data available on sale day. Bidding is in person, online or by phone, and bulls can be loaded out after the sale.
Where
Laramie Research and Extension Center, Laramie, Wyoming.
Questions
Can I consign commercial bulls?
Yes. Registered and commercial bulls of any breed are accepted.
How many bulls can I consign?
Up to 10 per producer.
Do I have to attend to buy?
No. Online and phone bidding are available.
Who do I call?
Shelby Rosasco, UW Extension beef specialist, at (307) 766-2329. The UW Extension general line is (307) 766-5124.
Official Links
- Fourth annual bull test field day and sale
- Registration for the third annual test: eligibility, fees and timeline
- 2026 sale catalog
- Wyoming Livestock Roundup calendar
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Hummel Cattle Company Annual Bull and Commercial Bred Heifer Sale
Fall bull and commercial bred heifer sale held at the Snowy Range Equestrian Center in Laramie.
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Laramie, WY Official event details - Albany County Fair
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3510 S. 3rd Street, Laramie, WY | 307-742-3224 | Organizer: Albany County Fair Office Official event details - Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium
The 33rd annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium brings women producers and ag professionals together in Casper for a day of speakers and networking. Held each year in November; the most recent date was November 12, 2026.
Casper, WY Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.