Agricultural News
2011 Beef Quality Audit Confirms Quality is King
Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:19:00 CDT
When it comes to beef, quality is king. From the cow-calf operation all the way to the consumer there has been a growing commitment to quality. But, as Mark McCully, Certified Angus Beef assistant vice president for supply, quality doesn't mean the same thing to everyone.
"From a Certified Angus Beef perspective when we think quality we think marbling and quality grade probably first and foremost. Of course, holistically, we think safety as all industry participants do. And so that definition of quality and the perception of quality does vary a bit."
That's why the National Beef Quality Audit is so important. Results from the 2011 audit have just been released and McCully says the quality audit is an exceptional tool for recording progress and highlighting areas in need of attention.
"I think the National Beef Quality Audit is important from a number of different regards. One is that benchmark measure that it provides the industry as a whole. Where are we today in terms of the quality level of the product that we're producing and what are our opportunities to get better?"
To the consumer, quality means flavor, according to results of the audit.
"That benchmark, in comparison to previous audits, I think needs to be vitally important to anyone that's in the industry. And for them to think about 'What do I do in my operation that contributes to the overall quality eating experience ultimately enjoyed by the consumer?'"
The 2011 report is the fourth Beef Quality Audit since 1991.
"With each audit that comes out, I think we're all anxious to, of course, measure progress. How much better are we doing? So many components of this industry are focused on producing a higher-quality product," McCully said.
Click inside the video box below to learn more about the Beef Quality Audit.
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