As cattle markets continue to soar so do cattle carcass grades and fed cattle weights.
In a recent “Southern Ag Today” article, Josh Maples, University of Mississippi associate professor of agricultural economics, shared fed cattle weight and beef quality grade trends.
The grading percent chart shows the percentages of fed cattle grading Prime, Choice and Select weekly since 1998. Choice carcasses represented about 50% to 55% of the cattle in the 2000s but have more recently been hovering in the 75% range. Meanwhile, the percentage of cattle grading Select has declined from roughly 35% in the early 2000s to less than 15% in recent years.
“Genetic improvements, cow-calf and stocker management practices, and feedlot technologies have played roles in this increase,” Maples says.
He also points out the recent increase in carcasses grading Prime.
“For the past few weeks, more cattle have graded Prime than Select,” Maples says. “About 3% to 4% of cattle graded Prime in the 2000s compared to 10% to 12% in recent years.”
As shown on the dressed weight chart above, fed cattle dressed weights have increased over time.
“Technological advances in raising cattle have allowed the sector to produce more beef per head,” Maples explains.
The chart shows a few years of declining weights and seasonal patterns within years, but the general trend is increasing fed steer weights over time. Assuming a 62.5% average dressing percentage, a 950-lb. dressed weight would equal a 1,520-lb. live weight.
“Larger weights in 2024 boosted beef supplies to offset fewer head processed,” Maples says.
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