2026 Summer Test: 56-Day Summary

7/22/2026

Bulls have reached the halfway point for the 2026 Summer Test with yesterday's weights. As a group, bulls have performed well through a long stretch of warm and humid days. As you scan through the data, you'll notice there a couple of bulls that have performed exceptionally well and may even be too high for some which I wouldn't disagree with. However, weights are accurate and either we captured them in the midst of a rapid growth spurt or they are on the verge of being the unicorn in this set of bulls. As in any group, there are bulls that are performing below expectations or targeted levels of performance; however, the summer months add a level of complexity when we combine heat, or prolonged periods of heat and humidity and high forage diets.

Based solely on bedding in barns, one could conclude that a bull or a group of bulls are spending more time in the shade than others. One indicator trait to consider on Angus bulls is the hair shedding EPD. At the same time, if a bull is underperforming, revisiting his current EPD profile may shed some light on weaknesses in performance potential or structural issues that may be impacting his performance.

Since the last weight, one case of foot rot has been the only health related challenge amongst the group. As a reminder, mid-test payments (final payments) are due at this point for the Summer Test. Please be monitoring genetic information (enhanced EPDs, parentage and genetic defects) that will be needed at off-test if bulls are performing well and you wish to keep them in the Sale.

Please see the calendar for upcoming IBEP and Beef related events in the region. As always, help on weigh days or data collection days is always helpful and a great opportunity to set eyes on your bull during the test.