By Jamie Martin
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has launched the Remote Butter Grading Program to improve market access for butter producers. This new system allows official USDA quality grades to be assigned remotely, helping more plants—especially small or remote ones—take part in voluntary grading.
Butter buyers and consumers depend on the USDA Grade AA Shield to identify high-quality products. However, in-person grading has mostly benefited large manufacturers due to cost and travel needs.
Through the new remote program, plant staff send butter samples to a USDA facility. A trained grader evaluates each sample for taste, smell, and texture, and reviews plant records. The USDA then provides an official quality grade that producers can use in marketing.
Over 80% of U.S. butter is USDA-graded, but the service has been underused by small-scale manufacturers. A pilot program reduced grader travel expenses by 45%, making the service more accessible.
Only USDA-approved plants listed on the “Dairy Plants Surveyed and Approved for USDA Grading Services” list can join the program. This ensures all participants meet required quality standards.
The program helps dairy farmers market milk used in value-added products like butter, creating more opportunities in the dairy sector.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National