The test is open to anyone on a space available basis. The 40 pens are owned by ranchers in and around Colorado. Pen owners have the first option to use their pens. If for some reason they choose not to use their pens, the pens are leased to other ranchers for the current year.

How does one get bulls in the Four Corners Test?

Persons interested in testing bulls should contact Beth LaShell at the San Juan Basin Research Center (970-385-4574). Names are added to a nomination list. In mid-August of the current test year, nomination forms are sent for people to nominate their bulls for the test. Most bulls are accepted if their is space. If there is not enough space, the Four Corners Board of Directors makes the selections based on breed numbers and pen availability. Breeders are notified of acceptance by the end of September.

What is the cost of testing per bull?

The price varies from year to year depending on feed costs. Cooperators pay a $40/bull nomination fee, a  $300/bull on test fee and a $200/bull mid test fee in January.  These fees generally cover all costs associated with testing a bull.  However, bulls that go through the sale will have an additional $100-$150 of sale costs. 

How long is the test period?

The test is 112 days in length. The bulls are delivered to the test site in mid October each year for a 21-day warm-up period. The bulls begin the 112 day test around the second week of November and complete the test the first week of March.

Do all the bulls tested sell in the annual sale?

The top 75% of the bulls within a breed category sell, provided they pass a breeding and structural soundness examination.

Are there any restrictions on breeds?

Beginning with the 2000-2001 test, all  breeds (registered or commercial), composites and crossbreds are accepted.

How many bulls can be tested?

There are 40 pens and each pen is designed to hold 6 bulls so potentially 240 bulls can be tested. Interested persons may nominate up to 12 bulls; however, generally 6 bulls or less has the best chance of being accepted.

What information is collected on the bulls?

The bulls are weighed every 28 days. Average daily gain (ADG) is calculated after each weigh period and the bulls are ratioed within breed group. Pen feed efficiency is also calculated for each group. A progress report is then sent to all cooperators plus approximately 600 producers in the Western United States. Upon the completion of the test the bulls are subjected to a breeding soundness examination, pelvic measurements are taken and pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP) are obtained as an indicator of brisket disease susceptibility. Ultasound data on backfat and ribeye area is also collected.  All these tests are in addition to the normal adjusted weights and ratios taken on performance tested animals. Individual cooperators supply the expected progeny differences (EPDs) to be listed in the sale catalog along with sire, birth date, actual birth weight and actual and adjusted weaning information.

What type of ration are the bulls fed?

The current ration the bulls are being fed is a self fed ration developed by Purina Mills.  It utilizes the limiter technology found in Accuration.  The bulls are fed 10 lb of hay per day and an additional 85% Corn/15% Accuration mixture to reach a consumption figure close to 3% of body weight.   The target average daily gain is 3.50 lbs, enough for the bulls to express their genetic differences but not enough to over-condition the bulls. The ration proportions are subject to change from year to year depending on feed quality, availability and price.

When is the annual sale and where is it held?

The annual sale is held the first Saturday of April beginning at 12:30 p.m. The sale is conducted on the test site at the San Juan Basin Research Center in Hesperus, Colorado. 

What is the average sale price?

The overall weighted sale average for a ten year period (1988-1997) has been $1622 on 1206 bulls.