The table below provides definitions for the primary classes of swine , based on sex and reproductive status. These classifications, established by the USDA, are essential for accurately identifying and categorizing pigs within the industry—whether for breeding, production, or meat quality purpose...

The following table outlines the Beef Fat Limitations (FL) as defined by USDA standards. Each level indicates the maximum average fat thickness and the maximum fat allowed at any single point. These classifications help ensure consistency in the quality and presentation of beef cuts. Source: U...

1. What is the definition of pork prices? The prices published by EMEAT are wholesale prices as reported by U.S. packers in accordance with the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program. USDA AMS presents the reported pricing data in two series: i) FO...

Grade 1 Yield Grade 1 slaughter cattle produce carcasses with very high yields of boneless retail cuts. Cattle with characteristics qualifying them for the lower limits of Yield Grade 1 (near the borderline between Yield Grade 1 and Yield Grade 2) will differ considerably in appearance because of ...

1. Prime Slaughter bullocks possessing the minimum qualifications for the Prime grade have a moderately thick but smooth covering of fat which extends over the back, ribs, loin, and rump. The brisket and flanks show a marked fullness and the muscling is firm a. Bullocks qualifying for the minimum...

1. Prime Slaughter steers and heifers 30 to 42 months of age possessing the minimum qualifications for Prime have a fat covering over the crops, back, ribs, loin, and rump that tends to be thick. The brisket, flanks, and cod or udder appear full and distended and the muscling is very firm. The f...

a) Based on Lean Meat Expected Yield Source: USDA. a) Based on Lean Meat Expected Yield Canner Cutter Utility Commercial Standard Select Choice Source: USDA. ...

Steer: A steer is a male bovine castrated when young and which has not begun to develop the secondary physical characteristics of a bull. Bullock: A bullock is a young (under approximately 24 months of age) male bovine (castrated or uncastrated) that has developed or begun to develop the seconda...

Quality Grading Beef quality refers to the expected eating characteristics (tenderness, juiciness and flavor) of the cooked product. USDA Quality Grades are used to reflect differences in expected eating quality among slaughter cattle and their carcasses. There are eight USDA Quality Grades fo...

1. What is the definition of beef prices? The prices published by EMEAT are wholesale prices as reported by U.S. packers in accordance with the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program. 2. Where are these beef prices located? The reported prices ...