The annual Richmond CPH-45 feeder calf sale was held at the Bluegrass Stockyards of Richmond LLC on December 11th, 2018.  With assistance from the KY Beef Network, KY Department of Agriculture, Bluegrass Stockyards of Richmond, and nearby Cooperative Extension Agents, the Madison County Extension ANR agent provided leadership and coordinated receiving cattle for the sale. 

Approximately 28 field inspections of cattle were made, two BQA trainings provided and assistance was given in ear tag distribution for all consignors. Additionally, CPH-45 sale guidelines were advertised through pamphlets, newsletters, agribusiness flyers and word of mouth with producers. A meeting was held at the stockyards in early October to educate and remind producers about program participation requirements. UK Extension Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Arnold, provided an update on health programs for weaned calves to about 50 producers. 

A total of 1,482 steers and heifers were sold from 62 producers in Madison and 12 surrounding counties.  Approximately 59% or 871 head of feeder cattle in the sale were from Madison County. On average, CPH-45 calf sale results were $5.90 per hundredweight above regular market price for the same sale week; giving a total estimated net added value of $32.45 per head above regular market price. Overall, 32 Madison County feeder calf producers earned a combined additional income of $28,263.95 over regular weekly market sales. This is a significant value added earnings increase above regular price, given the weak cattle market we are currently experiencing.