CHECKOFF RESEARCH SHOWS BEEF QUALITY IMPROVING

     Results of the latest National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) were released during last week’s Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Denver. Among positive findings in the research were significant increases in the percentage of carcasses grading Choice and Prime. Other encouraging trends included high mobility scores for cattle entering packing plants and a low number of blemishes and condemnations that affect animal values.
     Areas for possible improvement identified in the audit suggested there was more carcass bruising, although most instances were less severe than in the past. Another point of concern was that more than 30% of livers harvested did not pass inspection and were condemned.
     The checkoff-funded NBQA has been conducted every five years for the past 25 years. Results of past audits have helped lead to improvements including reductions in carcass blemishes and fewer lost opportunities related to branding and other practices.
     “The research proves the beef cattle industry has a great story to tell, but also suggests we aren’t getting that story to as many people as we should,” said NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White. “Utilizing the Beef Quality Assurance program and its principles more uniformly throughout the industry could not only enhance industry commitment to better beef, but would help increase consumer confidence and encourage greater beef demand.”

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KLA WEEKLY VIDEO

KLA Vice President of Communications Todd Domer talks about a checkoff-funded tour recently held in Kansas that showed influential people in the food chain how beef gets from the ranch gate to the consumer’s plate.