Programs

Pennsylvania 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 $1,500 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.

FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 GRANT ROUNDS:

Grant applications for the Bull Credit grant program will be accepted in two Grant Rounds:
- Round 1: September 15 through November 20, 2026
  - Pre-Approval for Bull Test Sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center: January 1 through March 3, 2027
- Round 2: January 1 through May 31, 2027

**Applications MUST be received by CBE by 5 pm on the last day of the grant round.**

2026-2027 Program Qualifications:

Bulls can be purchased via the Bull Test Sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center OR Private Treaty
Applicant & Bull Seller MUST be a Pennsylvania beef producer and have a PA address
Bull purchased must be born and raised in Pennsylvania
Bull must be no older than 2 years old at time of purchase
Bull must be registered through a breed association (registration number only will be required for grant reimbursement, NOT registration papers)
- Bull MUST be transferred to purchaser's name to qualify for funding consideration--It is your responsibility to request the seller transfer the bull as soon as possible
Bull must be semen tested and pass a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)
Minimum purchase price of $4,000
One $1,500 credit per operation
If you have received a Bull Credit grant in the past, you are eligible every 3 years
If requesting PRE-APPROVAL for the Bull Test sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center, grants must be submitted between January 1 and March 3, 2027
- Pre-Approval is ONLY available for the Bull Test Sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center in March
- If you receive Pre-Approval and do NOT purchase a bull at the Bull Test Sale, it does not carryover to another sale or private treaty purchase, you MUST re-apply
- If you receive Pre-Approval you MUST notify CBE and provide all required paperwork by April 30, 2027 or grant funds will be forfeited
Other applications will be accepted from
- Round 1: September 15 through November 20, 2027
- Round 2: January 1 to May 31, 2027
Applications MUST be received by CBE by 5 pm on the last day of the grant round
Preference will be given to BQA Certified producers
- If you are not BQA Certified, information can be found at www.pa-bqa.org
Funding is subject to availability and is on a cost-share reimbursement basis. Bulls must be purchased BEFORE applying (with the exception of Pre-Approval)
Program support is made possible through Ag Excellence funding provided by the PA Department of Agriculture
For more information or questions, please email cbegrants@gmail.com or call 570-687-3150

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
Biosecurity plan information

Program Application-click here.

The following items MUST be included with your application:

Copy of paid invoice
Copy of bull's semen test (if purchased via Private Treaty-not needed if purchased at Bull Test Sale)
Bull's registration number ONLY and breed association (Bull MUST be transferred to purchaser's name to be eligible)--ONLY registration number is needed, not papers
BQA Certification status
Signed application
If requesting Pre-Approval for Bull Test Sale, these items will be required to be submitted by April 30, 2027 or funds will be forfeited

**Please do NOT send original paperwork**

Grants are reimbursement-based, paid upon receipt by CBE of all required documentation.

For more information email cbegrants@gmail.com or call 570-687-3150.