In 2006, the low point in modern beef quality grade performance, the fed cattle carcass distribution, consisted of 41% USDA Select and 2% USDA Prime carcasses. Concerning fed steers and heifers, those were the two practical ends of the quality grade spectrum. That trend had, more or less, been the unwavering standard for many previous years. Since then, a stepwise transformation has brought the industry to a new frontier where USDA Choice is the common denominator, Select carcasses are scarce, and Premium Choice branded (CAB®) and Prime are the progressive targets.
In a twist unthinkable just two decades ago, USDA data reveals that the current percentage of Prime carcasses has averaged 11.9%, surpassing Select carcasses that are averaging 11.1%, in each of the last five weeks. The fractional difference between the two numbers is certainly not the point. Since the turn of the 21st century, just 25 short years, the broad view of the beef product offering is one of monumental change in product quality specific to marbling and consumer satisfaction.
Thus far in 2025, several factors have contributed to historically strong carcass quality grades, a continuation of a trend years in the making. This includes cheap ration costs, innovations in growth technology and high replacement feeder cattle values, each favoring longer average days on feed and heavier out-weights. However, the bedrock of industry-wide marbling improvement is the long-term selection for improved marbling EPDs by the seedstock sector, in response to commercial market demand. As well, the commercial cow/calf segment has chosen Angus bulls in larger proportions in modern years. A recent CattleFax study found that 82% of operators indicate Angus bulls are a component of their bull batteries.
Carcass-oriented Angus genetics are also important in the beef x dairy production model that’s particularly prominent in Texas feedyards. This is obvious in the Texas qualtiy grade trend featuring a recent spike in the Prime carcass share in Texas packing plants. An aggressive upward Prime trend developed in early February, taking the state’s Prime share up to a recent 7.8% of production versus 5.6% a year ago. While northern states pull the average up with 15% Prime in Nebraska, for instance, the stronger trend in the south is still a significant contributor.
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Certified Angus Beef
