Which of the following is the lowest grade of a beef carcass?

The lowest grade of a beef carcass is Utility. This grade is assigned to carcasses that do not meet the standards for higher grades like Prime, Choice, or Standard, mainly due to factors such as lower quality meat, fat distribution, and overall conformation. Utility carcasses may come from older animals or those with less desirable characteristics, which affects the quality and tenderness of the meat.

In contrast, Prime is the highest grade, known for its remarkable marbling and tenderness, making it highly sought after in markets. Choice is still a quality grade but ranks below Prime, while Standard is above Utility but still does not match the higher quality grades. Understanding these classifications is essential for grading beef based on quality and ensuring consumers receive the standard they expect.