Most of these firms create their niche with cattlemen who are likely to produce certain types of carcasses and beef procurers who merchandise that type of beef. Many of them have been in existence more than 10 years. Their business has greatly increased in recent years and many of their innovations have been adopted by other programs. Generally, these agreements aim for the red meat yield target. Examples of these alliances are Coleman's Natural Meats, Laura's Lean Beef, Maverick Ranches Beef, and B3R Country Meats.
Some programs also ban the use of ionophores and other feed additives.
Targeting health-conscious consumers, the grid pricing structures encourage the production of lean carcasses. Significant premiums are given for Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses. Some programs even discount carcasses that grade USDA Prime. While most alliances have concentrated on marketing and price enhancement strategies, producer groups might also organize input procurement, production cost analysis, performance data analysis, and improved herd management programs. Producers might work together to cut production costs and effect an even greater change in profitability.