Center for Beef Excellence Programs
Bull Credit Program
PURPOSE:
Assist Pennsylvania beef producers in purchasing quality bulls that will enhance the value of feeder steers going to market, as well as replacement heifers added back to their herd.
GOAL:
Create more marketing opportunities for PA beef producers. It is the plan of the Center for Beef Excellence to improve the quality of feeder cattle in the state to allow them to be better positioned to enter feedlots, which will improve the price producers received for their cattle.
The Bull Credit Program will reimburse Pennsylvania producers $1,000 towards the purchase of a qualifying bull. Bulls may be purchased through the Livestock Evaluation Center's Bull Test Sale or Private Treaty from another Pennsylvania beef producer.
Producers must complete an application and follow all program guidelines.
2022-2023 Program Requirements to Qualify for Bull Credit
Bull Test Program Grant Applications will be accepted in two rounds for 2022-2023
Round 1: July 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022
Round 2: January 1, 2023 through May 30, 2023
**Applications MUST be received by 5 pm on the last day of the grant round.
Must be a Pennsylvania beef producer (buyer and seller)
Bull must be born and raised in Pennsylvania
Bull must be entered into the Livestock Evaluation Center's Bull Test Program & qualify for the LEC's Bull Test Sale (if purchased at the Bull Test Sale)
Bull must be no older than 2 years old
Bull must be registered through breed association (registration number & copy of registration will be required for reimbursement)
Bulls must be semen tested
Minimum purchase price of bull must be $2,500 (before credit)
One credit per producer/operation
Eligible for credit once every three (3) years
Applications MUST be received by December 31, 2022 for Round 1 or May 30, 2023 for Round 2
By applying for and accepting this grant, you agree that the Center for Beef Excellence may contact you in the future to obtain information regarding calves that are produced from the bull you purchased including, but not limited to the following:
Weaning weights
Where/how calves were sold (private, sale barn, etc.)
Background of calves
Photos of bull and/or calves produced
BEEF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES
The Center for Beef Excellence is pleased to offer cost-share grant funding through the Beef Excellence Initiatives Program. The goal of this program is to assist producers with implementing projects that will make a positive impact on their operations.
Funding is subject to availability and is on a cost-share basis. Producers must provide input into the project as well. Projects that will help a large cross-section of producers within a region are encouraged and will receive higher ranking in the granting process.
Two grant rounds will be offered for 2022-2023:
Round 1: October 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022
Round 2: January 1, 2023 through May 30, 2023
**Applications must be received by CBE by 5 pm on the last day of each grant round to be eligible.**
To qualify for funding, applications must meet the following criteria:
Producer must define the impact the project will have:
On their individual operation once completed
On the beef industry in Pennsylvania, if applicable
In the regional beef community, if applicable
Two references/advisors must be submitted with the application who can give insight and support as to why the project should be funded.
Examples: extension educator, loan officer, conservation district employee, etc.
The grant will not exceed 50% of the proposed project cost. Grants have a maximum award amount of $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000.
A detailed budget of project costs from start to finish must be provided. Maps and/or photos showing the project area are helpful.
The Center for Beef Excellence Board of Directors reserves the right to follow up with an onsite visit during implementation and/or once the project is completed.
Producer must submit a summary/evidence of completion to include photos and all project receipts for the total project cost. Before and after photos are preferred and encouraged.
CBE reserves the right to use photos for educational/outreach purposes.
Grants will not be paid prior to completion of the total project.
Grant monies must be used within 365 days of receiving the grant award or will be forfeited.
FREE CATTLE HANDLING EQUIPMENT USE
Being able to properly catch and contain your animals to work with them not only makes the job of working cattle easier on both man and beast but can help increase profitability on your farm. Identify that cow that isn’t bred for spring calving now before feeding her all winter. Band bull calves and get ear tags, RFID tags along with vaccinations in those animals before sending them to market to maximize the price you receive.
Would you like to preg check your cows or vaccinate the herd but just don’t have the cattle handling facilities available to do so?
The Center for Beef Excellence maintains mobile cattle handling equipment available to Pennsylvania beef producers. Two units are currently available, one in Northeast, PA and one in Southwest PA.
Producers can use the
equipment free of charge.
Users must pick up and
return the equipment to its
original location by the end of the allotted time. A liability waiver must be signed and returned to CBE prior to obtaining the equipment and we ask that equipment is cleaned before returning it.
Each system contains a squeeze chute, gates and comes contained on its own trailer. Equipment is available on a first come, first served basis. You may use the equipment for up to 21 days at a time.
To learn more or to reserve a time to use the equipment, please contact Michelle Kirk at the Center for Beef Excellence either by email at mkirk.cbe@gmail.com or phone at 570-687-3150.