The annual Richmond CPH-45 feeder calf sale was held at the Bluegrass Stockyards of Richmond LLC on December 10th, 2019.  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. 

The Madison County ANR agent made 30 different field inspections of cattle, provided two BQA trainings and gave assistance in ear tag distribution and providing general information for consignors in and out of county. 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. A local veterinarian and the Madison County ANR agent provided a update on health programs for weaned calves. 

A total of 1,307 steers and heifers were sold from 64 producers in Madison and 10 surrounding counties.  Approximately 63% or 832 head feeder cattle were from Madison County. On average, CPH-45 calf sale results were $4.60 per hundredweight above regular market price for the same sale week; giving a total estimated net added value of $25.30 per head above regular market price. Overall, 36 Madison County feeder calf producers earned a combined additional income of $21,049.60 over regular weekly market sales. This is a significant value added earnings increase above regular price, especially given the weak cattle market we are currently experiencing.