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 2024-2025 Grant Rounds:

Round 1: September 15 to November 15, 2024
Pre-Approval for Bull Test Sale: January 1 to March 21, 2025
Round 2: January 1 to May 30, 2025

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

2024-2025 Program Requirements

Bulls can be purchased via the Bull Test Sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center OR Private Treaty
Applicant MUST be a Pennsylvania beef producer
Bull purchased must be born and raised in Pennsylvania
Bull must be no older than 2 years old
Bull must be registered through a breed association (registration number will be required for grant reimbursement)
Bull must be semen tested and pass a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)
Minimum purchase price of $3,500
One $1,500 credit per operation
Producers are eligible for this grant program once every three (3) years if you have received BCP grant funding in the past
If requesting PRE-APPROVAL for the Bull Test sale at the Livestock Evaluation Center, grants must be submitted between January 1 and March 21, 2025
Other applications will be accepted in two rounds: Round 1 from September 15 to November 15, 2024 or Round 2 from January 1 to May 30, 2025
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/events
This is a reimbursement grant and funds will not be distributed until all required documents are received

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

2024-2025 Grant Applications Now Being Accepted!

Round 1: September 15 to November 15, 2024

Pre-Approval: January 1 to March 21, 2025

Round 2: January 1 to May 30, 2025

Grant recipients will be notified by December 30, 2024 or June 30, 2025

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

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)
Bull's registration number and breed association
BQA Certification status
Signed application
If requesting Pre-Approval for Bull Test Sale, these items will be required to be submitted after the sale

**Please do NOT send original paperwork**

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

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