The objective of this paper is to review strategies that are known to enhance the level of
marbling in beef. Research has demonstrated that marbling contributes significantly to beef’s
eating quality—primarily to flavor and juiciness—but also to tenderness. Furthermore, a recent
study showed that consumers are willing to pay 50% more for well-marbled USDA Prime grade
steaks than for lesser-marbled USDA Select grade steaks ($3.66 vs. $2.44/lb). At the production
level, feedyards are paying significant premiums for feeder cattle that are known to have a
propensity to marble and produce carcasses capable of grading Mid-Choice or higher (Modest
degree of marbling or higher). Packers are likewise providing premiums for cattle of this type.
It is estimated that the demand for highly-marbled beef for upscale restaurants and retail stores
accounts for approximately 30% of the U.S. beef market. All of this begs the question, “What
can cattle producers do to hit this high-quality market target?” The following sections will
attempt to address this question.