Less than 550 lbs. The price received for each carcass is the base price plus the particular premiums and discounts. The USDA reports a weekly survey summarizing selected beef packer grid premium and discount schedules. The NW LS195 USDA report is useful for understanding average grid price premiums and discounts being offered by packers, and for raising awareness of the range of discounts and premiums. There are usually large discounts for Standard grade carcasses, dark cutter carcasses and carcasses lighter than 550 pounds or heavier than 950 pounds.
Some grids also offer premiums and discounts for hide quality.
For many packers' grids, price premiums and discounts are additive. That is, the base price is adjusted in an additive manner for the associated characteristics of the carcass. For some packers, not all premiums and discounts in their price grid are additive. For example, some packers quote the same price for all Standard grade cattle, regardless of yield grade. The USDA grid summary report assumes additive discounts and premiums.