The grid demo cattle also exceeded the audits in yield grades 1 and 2 by 2 to 4 percent. The groups of cattle in the grid demo project were tested against four different grids offered to Iowa producers. Each uses a base price for low choice, yield grade 3 carcasses weighing between 550 and 950 pounds. Premiums and discounts are applied for the various quality and yield grades and off-weight carcasses. The base price is determined by the Nebraska weekly averages for dressed basis sales and the reported price spread between Choice and Select cattle.
Most grids use a weighted-average price from the week prior to delivery of the cattle.