Past Sales

Miller-Gustin Genetic Testing Policy

To provide our buyers the information they can use to help them select the cattle that meet their herd enhancement goals, we are committed to providing all the data we can about the cattle we raise and sell. We consider genomic testing essential to enhancing the EPDs in the animal's pedigree information. With that thought in mind, we have migrated to AngusGS (Angus Genomic Selection). AngusGS is a DNA test that is designed specifically by the Angus Association for Angus cattle including potential markers for future trait selection. This test contains custom markers selected for Angus, which are not found on other tests.

What do these tests mean to you and what information do they provide?

• Increased predictability and decreased risk for young and unproven animals due to enhanced accuracy of EPDs
• Better characterization of genetics for difficult-to-measure performance traits (such as carcass traits, maternal traits and feed efficiency)
• The ability to make more rapid progress for traits that are important to you, due to:
  • more accurate selection
  • easier identification of genetic outliers
  • the ability to propagate young animals with confidence earlier in their lives

Real world example. Until we had genomic testing, we always thought that closely related cattle, ie, full brothers were about the same. They are not. There are big differences. Three of the full sib brothers in last year’s sale had pedigree Calving Ease Direct (CED) scores of 10 prior to being AngusGS tested. The CED scores after the AngusGS test gave the three bulls CED scores of 7, 9, & 17. One bull came out with higher CED and the other two went down. Before the test a buyer would have rated the bulls equally for CED. After AngusGS testing the buyer has more accurate information available on this critical trait to help in the bull selection decision. Other traits are similarly impacted.

Our current bull candidate listing of 2019 sale bulls is available on our website.

We cannot imagine buying cattle that are not AngusGS tested. We hope that you would not either!

Sale Changes

Due to the COVID-19 response, Miller-Gustin wants to comply with the state of Virginia guidelines. Sale will be as follows:

• Only auctioneer and sale staff will be on the farm on sale day.
• Sale will be hosted online using: CowBuyer.com.
• Same sale date and time, Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 12:00 noon (ET).

Bidding Options as Follows

1. Online bidding through CowBuyer.com; preapproval is required. Miller-Gustin encourages registering at least one day prior to sale.
2. If uncomfortable bidding online, bidders are encouraged to call Friday, April 17 to obtain a bidder number; call Roberta Keppel at 540.820.8237. Upon sale day, call a sale staff contact listed below to represent your bidding.
3. Absentee bids can be left with Dave Mullins at 317.503.2798.

Sale Staff Contact Phone Numbers

• Craig Miller    540.820.9818
• Jerry Gustin    804.654.4135
• Jason Arehart    540.290.4251
• Dave Mullins    317.503.2798
• Brennan Miller    540.383.4211
• Addison Bowman    540.246.2471
• Brent McClung    540.209.0169
• Eric Stogdale    540.569.7176

Additional Sale Information

• Bulls can be viewed at any time up to sale date at Miller Farm, LLC, 5510 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, Virginia. A small group of young commercial females with spring calves will sell following bulls. Call Craig at 540.820. 9818 to schedule an appointment.
• Delivery policy remains the same. Free delivery of animals within a 50-mile radius of Miller, LLC. Beyond 50 miles, buyer will assume one half the cost of delivery. Any animals purchased for $5,000 or more, delivery will be free.
• Housing is available for bulls purchased this date, through June 1, 2020 at no charge.
• All other terms and conditions remain the same as listed on website sale brochure.