New Prime Marbling Cards for Beef Quality Grading: A Collaborative Effort by AMSA and USDA-AMS
[Kearney, MO, May 15, 2024] - The American Meat Science Association (AMSA), in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the release of new Beef Marbling Cards, which now includes new image of Moderately Abundant, and images of Abundant and Very Abundant for the first time. The images correlated with the expanded Prime category of quality grading. The USDA-Ag Marketing Service (AMS) has revised grading standards to account for the changing industry and marbling levels. The USDA Prime grade has been expanded to include Very Abundant marbling (Figure 1), providing a more comprehensive assessment of beef quality.
Looking ahead, AMSA and USDA-AMS are collaborating to improve image quality across all marbling degrees. Plans are underway to capture new photographs later this year. The new Marbling Cards can be conveniently purchased through the AMSA website at https://amsa.site-ym.com/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=21243168. Additionally, Beef Ribeye Grids and Preliminary Yield Grade Probes will soon be available for purchase on the AMSA website.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bucky Gwartney, International Marketing Specialist- Standards and Specifications Division, USDA-AMS
Bucky.Gwartney@usda.gov
202-768-0659
Joanna Hardcastle
Business Manager, AMSA
jhardcastle@meatscience.org
303-668-3275
About AMSA:
The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the science of meat. With a focus on education, research, and collaboration, AMSA serves as a vital resource for industry professionals, academics, and students worldwide.
