Cattlemen today are faced with the challenge of determining which programs will differentiate their cattle on sale day while maximizing the profitability of their operations. With the help of detailed lot-level auction data and modern statistical methods we can gain considerable insights into the value associated with particular programs and management practices. This is the first in a series of blogs designed to provide ranchers more information about the premiums for value-added management, marketing, and vaccination programs in the Western United States.