2012 MATE Bull Pen Preview, Feb. 16-18, now taking entries

The 36th annual Montana Agri-Trade Exposition (MATE) show will again feature the Bull Pen Preview presented by the Northern Ag Network and KGHL Radio, Feb. 16-18, at MetraPark in Billings, MT.

Entries are now being accepted into the office for cattle breeders to participate in this year’s showcase.

The MATE show is the largest agricultural tradeshow in Montana drawing over 14,000 people last year from across the region. The bull pen preview offers tremendous exposure to breeders wishing to promote their genetics and program to commercial, purebred and registered producers that attend the show.

Cattle are allowed into the pens for all three days of the show. It is not required that cattle be there all three days, however. A majority of the commercial-type producers historically attend on Thursday and Friday. The pens are available as early as Thursday morning and until 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. This is not a halter show, but an opportunity for bull pen exhibitors to visit with potential customers face to face and for them to view the cattle.

There will be two sizes of pens offered. A 12-foot by 12-foot pen for $100 (max capacity is 3 head of yearlings) or 12-foot by 24-foot pens for $175 (max capacity is 6 head of yearlings). Herd sires or other aged bulls are allowed as long as they are comfortable being around people and being penned while on exhibit. Pen assignments will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Again, this year, organizers are offering two $300 gift certificates for Bull Pen attendees. All attendees are encouraged to fill out an address form, from which organizers draw two names from to receive the gift certificate that can be used to buy a bull from Bull Pen exhibitors within the next 12 months.

For an entry form or more information, go to: http://www.themateshow.com or call 406-256-2495.

– NILE