LUBBOCK, TX – USDA is asking whether beef grades still accurately reward the cattle producers raise today. The review could eventually affect carcass premiums, discounts, breeding goals, feeding decisions, and how cattle are valued across the supply chain.
The Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on possible changes to Prime marbling classifications and skeletal maturity requirements for cattle verified younger than 30 months. Comments are due September 8, 2026.
The review also allows recommendations on grading technology, yield measurements, producer usefulness, consumer understanding, and global competitiveness. More accurate measurements could give producers clearer signals about which genetics and management practices add value.
Oklahoma State University beef breeding specialist Mark Johnson says the current yield-grade formula was built from cattle studied in the early 1960s and explains less than 40 percent of variation in modern red-meat yield. He says imaging technologies may explain far more, but need to perform at the speed of commerce.
USDA has not proposed a new yield formula. However, the review could help shape future standards as researchers test systems capable of operating at commercial packing speeds.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Updated beef grades could provide clearer market signals for cattle genetics, management, and carcass value.