News — Beef Inspection

USDA remote beef-grading pilot uses smartphones to assess quality The new program reduces costs and location barriers for small, independent processors and ranchers. Published Jan. 26, 2024 By  Nathan Owens, Reporter The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun a pilot program that allows processors in rural areas to grade beef remotely, a cost-effective approach that can help small packers reach new markets. In the program, trained plant employees can capture images of live animal and beef carcasses using their smartphones. The photos are then submitted to a website so USDA graders can review and assess remotely. The results are given within...