Everywhere else in the world the cattle are fed grass - this does not produce tender meat. The US grading system is being lowered and the dry lot time is being cut down to 5 weeks. Politics by the producers and the USDA, trying to increase profits, decrease quality of merchandise. One herd can contain 50-55 thousand cattle. All meat must be inspected by vets before and after slaughter.
Inspection is mandatory, grading is voluntary.
The federal government overrides all other inspections. The proper way to slaughter. Has to deal with the exterior and interior of the animal. Deals with diseases which can affect the animal and humans. Anti Mortem and Post Mortem procedures.