Kilgore College Ag Farm

Kilgore College operates the only Bull Evaluation Center between Dallas and Shreveport, Paris and College Station. Established in 1973 by the college's first agricultural instructor, Wayne Lacy, the Center's purposes are to: (1) provide common environmental test conditions for evaluating rate of gain, soundness, structural frame, muscling, and other traits of economic importance to beef cattle producers and (2) promote performance testing and the identification of genetically superior beef cattle.

Each test consists of a 21-day warm-up period to get bulls accustomed to new surroundings, followed by an 84-day official testing period. Weights are taken at 28-day intervals; progress reports are mailed following each weigh period. Bulls are fed a growing-finishing ratio adequate for maximum growth and expression of genetic potential.

A basic entry fee of $100 per bull is payable with the entry application which covers pen rental, labor, management and performance data reports. Actual feed costs incurred during the test are billed to each breeder by the first of each month to be paid the tenth of that month. Balance of the feed bill is then calculated and due at the conclusion.

Three tests are conducted each calendar year. The first runs from June to October for summer/fall-born calves; the second, for fall/winter-born calves, is September through January; and the third test begins in December and ends in April for winter/spring-born calves. For specific dates, please consult the Bull Evaluation Center Schedule.

Following the conclusion of the test, each bull is given an ultrasound procedure which measures marbling, rib eye, and back fat thickness. Scrotal circumference is measured for spiralness. Animals are also measured at hip height which helps determine their frame score. (NOTE: Ultrasound measures marbling, rib eye area and fat thickness. Scrotal circumference is measured in centimeters via measuring tape.) Kilgore College then uses this data to compute indexing of each breed. (Each of the test results are available on web site after conclusion of both tests, as well as mailed to each breeder.)

Members of the KC Agriculture Club glean practical experience working with the animals, especially at check-in and each weighing period. It's an intense education that students at some senior colleges do not often realize.