Welcome
TO THE ANNUAL UNL BULL SALE
Dear Cattleman,
I would like to welcome you to the 33rd annual Bull Sale conducted by the 2026 UNL Beef Seedstock Production and Sales class. I hope you will take the time to visit with our students on sale day. The experiences, and knowledge, these young cattle enthusiasts gain from interacting with you is invaluable. I encourage cattle producers to think about buying bulls as an investment in genetics. Depending on the goals of the operation, the time horizon where we see the return on that investment might vary. Increased weights or carcass merit manifest earlier than improvements to reproductive longevity of the cowherd. Indeed, having an objective, and working the plan to achieve your objective, is important. Our objective is not only to provide bulls that will improve the profitability of our customers, but to also educate the next generation of cattle producers and allied industry professionals. In addition to the opportunity to invest in genetics, our student-run sale also offers bull buyers the opportunity to invest in the future of our industry by supporting the kinds of hands-on and real-world experiences that our seedstock herd and this class enable. We encourage you to reach out, before the sale or on sale day, to tell us about your goals so that we can help make sure that we best match bulls to your operation. My job, year-round, is to develop, evaluate, and deploy advanced genetic selection tools and methods. That is why you will notice that our catalog focuses on the (proven) selection tools that really matter—EPDs and economic selection indexes. If there is additional data that you would like to see to help you make your decision, please ask and we’ll provide it. If you have questions, please ask. Education is at the heart of what we do. This sale requires a great deal of effort year-round by numerous people. We would like to thank our ENREEC Cow-Calf crew: Dale Foster, Manager; Trevor Ormesher, Bonnie Long, and Brooke Rudloff along with all the student employees. Also, thanks to the ENREEC Feedlot crew. We certainly could not have put this together without Brent Johnson. We owe a lot to those that put more effort into our sale than they need to, specifically our auctioneer Matt Printz and Chris Beutler. We would also like to thank all of the folks at DVAuction.
Most of all, we thank you for your support of our sale and our teaching program here at UNL.
Matt Spangler UNL Teaching Herd Coordinator, Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist
Schedule of Events: Saturday, April 11th, 2026 At the Animal Science Complex
Sale Day Phones: Matt Spangler: 402-947-1668 Dale Foster: 402-429-0911 To inspect bulls before sale, call: Dale Foster: 402-429-0911 Cow Unit Manager at Mead, NE
11:00 a.m. lunch and viewing in the arena 1:00 p.m. Auction begins in room B101 For more information, contact: Dr. Matt Spangler, Teaching Herd Coordinator A218h Animal Science University of Nebraska – Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68583 – 0908 Days: 402-472-6489 Directions to bull corral for viewing prior to sale day: From Mead – 5 miles south on county road 10 to H Street, then ½ mile east. From Lincoln – 18 Miles north on Hwy 77 to Hwy 66 Junction. Then 7 miles east to county road 10. North 1 mile to 10th and H Street and ½ mile east. Sale Order including scrotal circumference will be posted on sale day All bulls are started with a base bid of $3,000
*Pickup and delivery details can also be organized by calling Dale Foster *Bulls can be viewed at ENREEC before sale day.
MEET THE 2025 BULL MERCHANDISING CLASS
Braden Benes Albion, NE Major: Animal Science Minor(s): Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars, Engler Entrepreneur Program Braden grew up on his family’s registered seedstock operation, Circle B Livestock LLC, in Albion, Nebraska, where they raise Angus, Simmental, Charolais, and Red Angus cattle, along with cutting horses and
JennaMae Bloemker Oxford, IN Major: Animal Science – Food Animal Systems Minor: Ag Economics Growing up I was always interested in livestock and wanted to be around/working with cattle, even though I never had the hands-on experience of raising livestock. Once in high school, I was involved ag classes
that further fueled my interest in livestock and ultimately led me to come to UNL and study Animal Science. I now know a lot more about the cattle industry and even have my A.I. training certification. My goal after graduation is to become involved with the industry wherever I am able to, though preferably hands-on with cattle.
border collie stock dogs. From an early age, he developed a strong passion for the livestock industry. While in college, Braden launched Benes Livestock Services LLC, offering sale consulting, order buying, and custom clipping and fitting services nationwide. He plans to continue expanding the business while returning home to Circle B Livestock LLC.
William Dennis Plattsmouth, NE Major: Animal Science Growing up in rural Cass and Otoe County, Nebraska among many small farming operations, I developed an interest in livestock and specifically their care. I worked for the local veterinarian and gained hands on experience working and caring for
Melany Ehlert Bricelyn, MN Major: Animal Science
I grew up in south central Minnesota where my family farms corn and soybeans. In high school, I worked with the calves on a dairy farm and would buy and raise a few bull calves of my own as well. I came to UNL in hopes of getting more involved in the cattle industry- specifically beef. During my
time here, I have gained some experience in both the feedlot and ranching sides of the industry and would like to have my own cattle operation after college as well.
livestock which further drove my passion to be a veterinarian. Here at UNL I have taken as many opportunities as possible to sharpen my skills and knowledge about the industry to help my future clients make their productions efficient and profitable. I plan to further my education attending veterinary school and becoming a veterinarian.
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Tori Honn McCook, NE Major: Animal Science Minor(s): Agricultural Economics & Grassland Systems I grew up on a small farm and cow-calf operation near McCook, NE, where I developed a strong passion for agriculture at a young age. I was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, which helped build my leadership skills and appreciation for livestock production. I
Anna Karnopp West Point, NE Major: Animal Science Minor(s): Agribusiness, Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars I grew up on my family’s small cow-calf operation, where I developed a passion for livestock through hands-on experience managing and showing cattle. I have been involved in several organizations, including Block and Bridle and the Engler Entrepreneurship
am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, where I continue to expand my knowledge through both coursework and hands-on experiences. Today, I help on a much larger farm and ranch operation near Wauneta, NE. After graduation, I plan to return closer to home and continue contributing to the agriculture industry while continuing to grow as a producer and advocate for agriculture.
Program. After earning my Animal Science degree, I plan to continue working in the agriculture industry. I hope to pursue a career that allows me to contribute to the success of livestock producers and the advancement of the beef industry.
Mason Krienert West Point, NE Major: Agribusiness Minor(s): Animal Science & Business I grew up working on a cow calf and row crop operation near Scribner, NE. As a younger kid, I always had an interest in the farming industry. Throughout high school, I was heavily involved with FFA. During my time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I have been learning about both the agronomy and animal
Grace Schlueter Scribner, NE Major: Animal Science Minor: Krutsinger Beef Scholars Program I grew up on a registered Gelbvieh and Balancer cow-calf operation near Scribner, NE, where I have been actively involved in the beef industry my entire life. Throughout high school, I exhibited cattle and competed in numerous FFA and 4-H events. At the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, I have continued to build on that
production sides of agriculture. After attending UNL, I plan on pursuing a career in agronomy and possibly livestock production as well.
foundation through leadership and hands-on experiences where I am currently the president of the UNL Block and Bridle Club and was a member of the 2025 UNL Meats Judging Team. After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in Ruminant Nutrition.
Kole Svec Milligan, NE Major: Animal Science Minor: Ag Economics
Sam Waldman Warren, OH Major: M.S., Animal Science I did my undergraduate studies at The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, where I majored in animal science and psychology with a minor in chemistry. I grew up working on various horse farms and in college I shifted my focus to cattle, working at a local dairy and Findlay’s Animal Science Farm. Currently, I am a first-year master's
I grew up on small family farm with small cow calf herd. We run Red Angus and Hereford Cattle near Milligan, NE. Growing up I showed cattle in 4-H and competed in Livestock Management in FFA. I decided to major in Animal Science as I have always known that I want to work in the beef cattle industry.
After graduating I plan to return to the Milligan area and work in agriculture while still being involved in the family operation with the goal of one day being able work full time on the operation.
student working under Dr. Ruth Woiwode studying Animal welfare. After my time at UNL I hope to work in extension education and eventually get my PhD in animal science.
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General Information
Herd Health: The UNL Beef Teaching Herd follows a careful vaccination program to ensure that the health of the cattle is excellent. All calves received vaccines for IBR, P13, BVD, BRSV, and Pasturella at branding along with a 7-way and then again at pre-conditioning. Health papers are not necessary for the shipment within the state of Nebraska. Arrangements will be made to accommodate any requirements for out-of-state travel. Breeding Guarantee: Every effort has been made to ensure that the bulls offered for sale are fertile. All sale bulls have undergone and passed a Breeding Soundness Exam. All bulls selling will be 100% covered (less salvage value) if they are injured during their first breeding season and cannot return to service. Breeding season is defined as the 90-day period following the first turnout of the bulls. 100% of the value of the injured bull, minus salvage value, will be given as sale credit in the following year’s sale or toward a replacement bull if one is available. All injured bulls must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Please notify Dr. Matt Spangler as soon as an injury occurs. All claims must be made prior to September 15, 2026. Boarding: Bulls will be boarded free until May 11th, 2026, if the buyer so desires. After May 11th, the buyer will incur charges of $3/day per bull for feed and labor. Inspection of Bulls: Bulls can be inspected at the ENREEC, Bull-Development Area near Mead any time prior to sale. 100$ off per bull if picked up day of sale or if picked up at the bull center prior to May 11 th . Liability: UNL assumes no liability for personal injuries which may occur at this sale or as a result of inspecting these bulls prior to sale day. out on pasture they were brought into our bull development facility October 31st where they were started on a high forage ration to prevent over-conditioning. This ration was: Grass Hay 10.0%, Corn Silage 45.8%, MDGS 10.0%, Sweet Bran 30.0%, Supplement 4.2%. This ration was chosen to allow the bulls to express their potential genetics for growth. The bulls were fed as a single group once a day in a four-acre trap which contained an open shed for wind protection. Ultrasound scans were taken on March 2nd by Dr. Shawn Nicholson UGC Certified Technician, processed by the CUP Lab and complied by the Angus and Simmental Breed Associations. Final weights and hip heights were also taken on March 2 nd . Scrotal circumference was taken on March 10 th by Dr. Jay Wolverton during the Breeding Soundness Exams. Bull Management: These 55 bulls in this sale were weaned and weighed on October 7th, 2025. After being
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Genetics Expected Progeny Differences (EPD): a measure of the genetic merit of a bull for a given trait. The Angus EPDs were calculated by the American Angus Association. The EPDs for the Husker Red and Black composite bulls were calculated by the American Simmental association and are current as of March 13th 2026.
EPD Traits: CED, CE: Calving Ease Direct BW: Birth Weight WW: Weaning Weight YW: Yearling Weight MW: Mature cow weight Milk: Maternal Milk STAY: Stayability FL: Functional Longevity HP: Heifer Pregrancy Marb: Marbling RE, REA: Ribeye Area sq. in. CEM, MCE: Maternal Calving Ease
Angus Indexes: $M: Maternal Weaned Calf Value $B: Beef Value $C: Combined Value
Breeds: AN: Angus AR: Red Angus GV: Gelbvieh
HH: Hereford Horned HP: Hereford Polled MX: mixed Breeds SM: Purebred Simmental CS: Commercial Simmental
Simmental Indexes: API: All Purpose Index TI: Terminal Index
Adjustment Factors to Estimate across-breed EPDs.
Maternal Milk
Marbling Score
Breed
BW
WW
YW
REA
CW
Angus
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Simmental
2.4
-9.8
-11.9
0.8
-0.12
0.55
7.8
Husker Black Bulls have been DNA tested for coat color.
Homozygous Black – This bull WILL sire 100% black progeny when bred to black OR red cows Heterozygous Black – This bull carries the recessive red gene. When bred to homozygous black cows/heifers, the offspring will be 100% black. When bred to heterozygous black cows/heifers, 75% of offspring will be black and the other 25% will be red. When bred to red cows/heifers, the offspring will be 50% black and 50% red.
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EPD Information
Performance EPDS :
Calving Ease Direct (CED or CE): The Calving Ease Direct EPD measure the ease at which a bull's calves will be born. This EPD is expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease when he is bred to first-calf heifers. Birth Weight (BW): Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires. Weaning Weight (WW): Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
Yearling Weight (YW): Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire's ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires.
Maternal EPDS:
Heifer Pregnancy (HP): A selection tool to increase the probability or chance of a sire's daughters becoming pregnant as first-calf heifers during a normal breeding season. A higher EPD is the more favorable direction and the EPD is reported in percentage units. Calving Ease Maternal (MCE or CEM): Expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first-calf daughters. It predicts the average ease with which a sire's daughters will calve as first-calf heifers when compared to daughters of other sires. Milk (MILK): A predictor of a sire's genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires. In other words, it is that part of a calf's weaning weight attributed to milk and mothering ability.
Mature Weight EPD (MW): Expressed in pounds, is a predictor of the difference in mature weight of daughters of a sire compared to the daughters of other sires.
Stayability and Functional Longevity (STAY or FL ): An indicator of longevity and sustained fertility of a bull's daughters in the cow herd. A higher value is more desirable.
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Carcass EPDs:
Carcass Weight (CW): Expressed in pounds is a predictor of the differences in hot carcass weight of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
Yield Grade (YG): A measure of the relative proportion of closely trimmed, boneless retail cuts from the bull's progeny. Higher EPDs mean higher yield grades, and thus a lower proportion of retail cuts.
Marbling (MARB): Expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
Ribeye Area (REA): Expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire's progeny compared to progeny of other sires.
$ Values/Indexes:
All-Purpose Index (API): Expressed in dollars per cow exposed under an all-purpose-sire scenario. Evaluates sires for use on the entire cow herd (bred to both Angus first-calf heifers and mature cows) with the portion of their daughters required to maintain herd size retained and the remaining heifers and steers put on feed and sold grade and yield. Terminal Index (TI): Expressed in dollars per cow exposed under a terminal-sire scenario. Evaluates sire for use on mature Angus cows with all offspring put on feed and sold grade and yield. Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M): An index, expressed in dollars per head, predicts profitability differences from conception to weaning with the underlying breeding objective assuming that individuals retain their own replacement females within herd and sell the rest of the cull female and all male progeny as feeder calves. The model assumes commercial producers will replace 25% of their breeding females in the first generation and 20% of their breeding females in each subsequent generation. Traits included are as follows: calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, weaning weight, milk, heifer pregnancy, docility, mature cow weight, claw set and foot angle. Beef Value ($B)— a terminal index, expressed in dollars per carcass, to predict profitability differences in progeny due to genetics for post weaning and carcass traits Combined Value ($C): An index, expressed in dollars per head, which includes all traits that make up both Maternal Weaned Calf Value (SM) and Beef Value (SB) with the objective that commercial producers will replace 20% of their breeding females per year with replacement heifers retained within their own herd. The remaining cull heifer and steer progeny are then assumed to be sent to the feedlot where the producers retain ownership of those cattle and sell them on a quality-based carcass merit grid. Expected progeny differences (EPDs) directly influencing a combined index: calving ease direct (CED) and maternal (CEM), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), maternal milk (Milk), heifer pregnancy (HP), docility (DOC), mature cow weight (MW), foot angle (Angle), claw set (Claw), dry matter intake (DMI), marbling (Marb), carcass weight (CW), ribeye area (RE) and fat thickness (Fat).
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Reference Sires Purebred Angus TEHAMA TESTAMENT Sire: Tehama Patriarch F028
SS Niagara Z29 Tehama Elite Blackbird D826 Sitz Wisdom Tehama Mary Blackbird Y677
Dam: Tehama Mary Blackbird E789
Performance
Maternal
CED
BW
WW
YW 109
CEM
MILK
MW
HP
12
-0.9
55
11
26
32
13.5
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.51
$M 84
$B 171
$C
43
1.23
306
AAA: 20019500
DOB: 8/12/2020
RAVEN REPUBLIC I564 Sire: E&B Plus One
Connealy Confidence Plus E&B Lady 1023 Precision 936
Connealy Thunder Sitz Emma E 2253
Dam: Sitz Emma E 2738
Performance
Maternal
CED
BW -1.0
WW
YW 128
CEM
MILK
MW
HP 7.4
11
71
10
22
35
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.29
$M 83
$B
$C
DOB: 1/04/2021
AAA: 20143727
45
1.10
157
287
WAR SOLUTION G023 Sire: KG Solution 0018
MOGCK Sure Shot KG Rito Lady 8724 High Point TenX 4055 WAR Consensus C113 A143
Dam: WAR Ten X C113 E076
Performance
Maternal
CED
BW
WW
YW 103
CEM
MILK
MW
HP 7.1
7
-0.4
61
6
19
61
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.17
$M 46
$B
$C
35
0.52
120
202
AAA: 19581535
DOB: 2/02/2019
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Reference Sires Husker Red ROUSEY 3149L Sire: Mr Sr Red October G1761
IR Imperial D948 Miss Sr E1761 Feddes Brunswick D202 Herdmaster 248E
Dam: Rousey Ester 1208J
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW -4.1
WW
YW
MCE
MILK 22.6
MW
STAY 25.5
16.7
62.5
94.0
9.0
113.3
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.89
API
TI
ASA: 4181292 :1 3A/S3A2: 4A 1R8 132/9322 C S ½ S M
DOB: 01/28/2023
24.0
0.65
176.4
85.0
CDI/NF HONOR GUARD 267H 222gg2267H267H Sire: CDI Abundance 391C Dam: CDI Miss Verdict 141C CDI Hometown 246A CDI Ms Beef King 74Z CDI Verdict 220Y CDI Miss Red Coat 28A
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW -0.1
WW
YW
MCE
MILK
MW
STAY 18.6
13.4
86.3
137.5
7.9
24
140.1
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 1.12
API
TI
DOB: 03/11/2020
ASA: 3801515 PB SM
27.7
0.3
158.2
92.2
BIEBER BLUE CHIP H302 Sire: Bieber CL Stockmarket E119 Dam: Bieber Rose 162C Pie Stockman 4051 Bieber CL Adelle 475C Bieber Iron Ore A104 Bieber Rose 475A
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW -5.7
WW 67.5
YW
MCE 10.1
MILK 24.7
MW
STAY 22.1
17.6
110.4
107.1
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.18
API
TI
DOB: 02/27/2020
ASA: 4061129 PB AR
16.9
1.19
196.3
103.3
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Reference Sires Husker Red GW COPPERHEAD 919G Sire: GW Movin On 183C
GW Premium Beef 021TS GW Miss Predestined 117Y
VGW Direct Drive 512 GW Miss Yukon 482B
Dam: GW Miss Dirct Drive 512
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW -1.9
WW
YW
MCE
MILK 24.9
MW
STAY 14.8
14.6
85.0
138.5
9.0
171.7
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.79
API
TI
DOB: 02/06/2019
ASA: 3549340 5/16 AR 3/16 AN ½ SM
30.8
0.85
170.4
101.5
SCHULER RED 62 18K-H561 Sire: Leachman 18 Karat X235C
Leachman Testify D003Z Reiger Stabilizer YX518 Leachman Instigator U349Z
Dam: SII SR62 Instigator B423
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW -4.7
WW
YW
MCE
MILK 27.3
MW
STAY
20.3
59
104.3
9.7
103.3
11.4
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA
API
TI
DOB: 04/06/2020
ASA: 3957565 11/16 AR 5/16 CS
13.4
0.21
-0.36
124.8
70.2
99
Reference Sires Husker Blacks HOOK’S HEADLINE 203H Sire: Hook’s Frontline 40F CDI Mainline 265D Hook’s Carina 15C
GW-WBF Substance 820Y Hook’s Underestimated 6U
Dam: Hook’s Crystal 1C
Performance
Maternal
CE 14
BW -1.7
WW 71.6
YW
MCE
MILK 25.8
MW 61.5
STAY 23.9
110.3
7
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.83
API
TI
DOB: 02/12/2020
ASA: 3715210 PB SM
19.3
0.86
194.9
98.1
JC MR PONTIAC D114K Sire: Gibbs 9114G Essential
Bibbs 7382E Broad Range Gibbs 7153E Star 3136A
Gibbs 4475B Pirate FSCR B089 RKE 107
Dam: FSCR D114 Lucille B089XP
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW
WW 87.8
YW
MCE
MILK 23.8
MW 163
STAY 20.6
17.9
-2.5
140.3
9.7
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA
API
TI
DOB: 02/24/2022
ASA: 4029546 ¾ SM ¼ AN
44.1
.56
.84
170.6
95.8
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Reference Sires Husker Blacks A3R FIGURES 75K Sire: Hook’s Full Figures 11F
TJ Diplomat 294D Hook’s Docila 23D Connealy Comrade 1385 A3R Xavier 101D
Dam: A3R Comrade 10F
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW
WW
YW
MCE
MILK 34.0
MW
STAY
16.6
-2.2
64.6
102.6
8.3
66.9
17.5
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.59
API
TI
DOB: 03/02/2022
ASA: 4096430 ½ SM ½ AN
18.9
0.8
166.0
88.4
A3R PATRIARCH 46K Sire: Tehama Patriarch F028
SS Niagara Z29 Tehama Elite Blackbird D826
A3R Denver 166E A3R Graduate 10C
Dam: A3R Denver 166E 236H
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW
WW 79.9
YW
MCE 13.0
MILK 29.1
MW
STAY 19.3
17.6
-2.8
132.7
118.5
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.22
API
TI
DOB: 2/28/2022
ASA: 4096495 ¼ SM ¾ AN
35.1 92.9 ROUSEY COW TOWN 0178H 0.71 169.6
LRS Range Boss 901Z NLC Zili Z09
Sire: NLC Cow Boss 160C
Dam: Rousey Herdmaster 812A
Herdmaster 138Y
Performance
Maternal
CE
BW
WW
YW
MCE
MILK
MW 82.1
STAY 16.3
19.6
-3.6
65.2
92.0
9.0
21.7
Carcass
Index
CW
MARB
REA 0.84
API
TI
DOB: 2/19/2020
ASA: 3774265 ½ SM ½ AN
27.2
0.28
140.2
76.3
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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