USDA Eyes New Prime Beef Grades for Fancy Wagyu Cattle
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is thinking about updating how beef carcasses get graded to better match today’s fancy Wagyu genetics and new science on beef tenderness. They want to add more detail to the Prime grade and might drop the old bone-age rule for younger cows. Farmers, meat sellers, and beef lovers should weigh in by September 8, 2026, to help shape these tasty changes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Add Marbling Degrees to USDA Prime
USDA is considering adding more marbling degrees inside the USDA Prime grade after a petition from the American Wagyu Association. Currently Prime is defined with four marbling degrees (Slightly Abundant, Moderately Abundant, Abundant, and Very Abundant), and the share of carcasses grading Prime rose from 6.2% in 2017 to 12.2% in 2025.
Remove Physiological Maturity Rule Under 30 Months
USDA is asking whether to eliminate the supplemental physiological skeletal maturity requirement for carcasses determined by dentition or age verification to be under 30 months of age. AMS notes data (including sampling and lab analysis cited from Colorado State University) showing grain-fed steers and heifers under 30 months by dentition have palatability similar to physiological maturity A, and changing the rule could allow additional carcasses to qualify for higher USDA grades (Prime, Choice, and Select) without a significant reduction in grade consistency.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16910, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend a Previously Approved Information Collection (Strengthening Organic Enforcement) (2026)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision of a previously approved information collection titled "National Organic Program: Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)" (OMB Control Number: 0581-0321).
2026-16723, Walnuts Grown in California; Changes to Administrative Requirements
This final rule implements a recommendation from the California Walnut Board (Board) to make changes to the administrative requirements prescribed under the Federal marketing order for walnuts grown in California (Order). This final rule provides a schedule for required handler assessment payments, establishes interest and late payment charges on overdue assessments owed, and modifies the existing reporting requirements for handler acquisitions of walnuts.
2026-15718, Tobacco Report: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, "Tobacco Report" (OMB No. 0581-0004).
2026-15525, Clingstone Peach Diversion Program; Amendment of Program Regulations
This interim final rule amends the regulatory requirements for the Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Program). The Program is voluntary, consists of payments for peach tree removal, and is implemented under clause (3) of section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act Amendment of 1935, as amended. The Program is expected to reestablish the purchasing power of clingstone peach growers by making payments to such growers to facilitate reductions in peach production capacity. This action will help to align the domestic supply of clingstone peaches with the market demand for those peaches and thus mitigate the economic effects of systemic oversupply. The parameters established herein will ensure that diversion under this Program is not part of a normal tree replacement cycle for orchard rejuvenation. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget of new information collection requirements necessary to implement the Program.
2026-14927, Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2026-2027 Marketing Year
Farmers growing spearmint oil in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah will see new limits on how much Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil they can sell during the 2026-2027 season. These changes help balance supply and demand, keeping the market steady and fair. If you’re involved, get ready to follow the new rules starting this marketing year, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by August 24, 2026!
2026-14918, Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Grape growers in southeastern California are set to pay less for their crop assessments, dropping from 3 cents to 2.5 cents per 18-pound lug starting in 2026. This change helps farmers save money while supporting their local grape programs. Comments on this proposal are open until August 24, 2026, so folks have a chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13760, Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting; Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC)
The Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) is holding a virtual meeting on July 23, 2026, to discuss updates and safety standards for manufactured homes. This meeting is open to anyone interested, including homeowners, builders, and industry pros, who want to share their thoughts. Changes from this meeting could affect how manufactured homes are built and regulated, potentially impacting costs and safety rules.
Next: 2026-13762, New Postal Products
The Postal Service wants to add or change some special deals for competitive mail services, and the Postal Regulatory Commission is checking them out. If you care about mail prices or services, now’s your chance to speak up before July 13, 2026. These changes could affect businesses using these special mail options and might tweak prices or service terms soon.