USDA Proposes changes to Feeder Cattle Grade Standards

September 22

USDA proposes to change feeder cattle grade standards to reflect changes in the genetic composition of beef cattle over the past 20 years. Adjustments are necessary because of the changes in frame size and muscle thickness over the past two decades, officials say.

Frame size is the animal's skeletal size in relation to its maturity. USDA says it is "an important tool in predicting the weight at which an animal will grade USDA Choice and how long it will have to be fed." USDA also is proposing to adjust the muscling grades since muscle thickness relates to the animal's ultimate USDA yield grade at slaughter.

The proposed rule will be published Sept. 23 (Thursday) in the Federal Register, and comments must be received by Oct. 22. Send comments to Herbert C. Abraham, Chief, Livestock and Meat Standardization Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2603-S, Stop 0254, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-6456.