The Ranch Steak Co.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Grading

The USDA has two separate grading programs that they use to inspect meat and poultry. The first is mandatory for wholesomeness and is paid for by our tax dollars. The second is voluntary which is for grading quality and paid for by producers/processors.

U.S.D.A Prime
These cattle have been corn or grain fed for one and a half years evident in the marbeling content of the steaks.

U.S.D.A. Choice
8 to 12 months of corn and grain feed, to produce choice marbling. Only the top one third of cattle are graded choice.

U.S.D.A. Select
4 to 6 months of corn and grain feed to produce select quality marbling.

U.S.D.A. Commercial
Grass fed to cattle typically older dairy cows.

U.S.D.A. Canner
Low grade beed primarily used for animal feed and industrial products.