To me, to say a calf is pre-conditioned without some sort of vet certificiates, is just saying that. The backgrounders I talk to and work for say that if a group of calves, no matter the size, are ran in a ring and the ringman shouts "Weaned 45 days and had all their shots", without some sort of official paperwork they are worth no more than any others. Mainly because what does "All their shots" mean? But they all also say that to have vet paperwork they will always pay more. I think all states have some sort of pre-condidtioning program. I know in Missouri it is the Gold Label Program, and a White Tag, and maybe a Red Tag Program, they all mean different pre-conditioning methods, and I know Iowa has something also. With the paperwork, even in a regular sale, those calves will generally bring more, even if you are only cleaning up your odds and ends. I always thought that to go to the feed store and buy a syringe and some medicine and wormer, is for the current owners benift only in extra gain and health. They may sell better in the sale barn because they look healthy, but probably not enough to offset your costs. My opinion on pre conditioning. gs