For many years, Kentucky has promoted its CPH-45 (Certified Pre-conditioned for Health) program to producers as a way to add value to their feeder calves. Many studies have shown considerable increases in producers’ income resulting from weight gain during the pre-conditioning period and possible price premiums at the time of sale. The McLean County ANR agent promotes participation in 2 nearby sales: the Owensboro CPH sale and the Guthrie CPH sale. Working in conjunction with the KY Beef Network representative, McLean County marketed over 600 calves through the 2 sales. Considering McLean County is primarily a row crop and poultry county these calves come from two different groups: home raised and bought (comingled together and regrouped for resale). 

The CPH-45 sale provides a marketing opportunity for a number of producers utilizing different production models. The CPH-45 program is designed to allow producers who are unable to market uniform load lots of cattle to receive the benefits that come from marketing in larger groups. The program can be profitable for any producer, regardless of the size of his operation. The success of the program continues as producers relay to other producers the profits made through the Beef IRM program.