Instrument Enhanced Grading (IEG)

Posted: February 26, 2026 in Innovation

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Upper Iowa Beef employee in orange hard hat grading beef carcass with instrument enhanced grading system.

Instrument Enhanced Grading (IEG) represents a major step forward in combining technology with certified industry expertise to deliver consistent, data-driven carcass evaluation. After beginning conversations with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in August 2025, our facility became the first plant in the country to operate under a hybrid IEG pilot program without a grader onsite at all times. The pilot was fully implemented on December 15, 2025, following extensive training, weekly evaluation practice, and a two-part certification process requiring both written testing and on-rail correlation exams.

The grading process integrates advanced imaging technology with professional oversight. Using equipment developed by MEQ, each side of the carcass is scanned to accurately measure ribeye area, marbling, and preliminary yield grade. The system then automatically calculates a yield grade based on captured data. A certified industry grader reviews the camera’s analysis alongside the carcass and makes the final determination. When necessary, the grader can override the camera’s result to ensure accuracy and proper classification.

To maintain integrity within the program, grading results are closely monitored through internal auditing, daily remote USDA review, and regular in-person USDA oversight. Strict performance standards are in place, including limits on override percentages, to ensure both the technology and the grading process remain accurate and reliable.

By integrating objective technology with trained human evaluation, Instrument Enhanced Grading reduces subjectivity in the grading process, strengthens consistency, and provides dependable data that supports informed decision-making for producers, customers, and the industry as a whole.

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