The value-added management and marketing programs available to cattle ranchers creates substantial ranch-level complexity and often considerable uncertanity. While all of the programs are likely to add costs, the additional income generated is uncertain and likely variable. Given that lots of cattle sold typically participate in many programs and management decisions must be made months or even years prior to sale, it is nearly impossible for ranchers to forecast the premium associated with implementing any one program. This post focuses on the premiums/discounts for the most common value-added management and marketing programs for lots marketed in 2018.