Certified Angus Beef (CAB) has turned carcass merchandising into a science, delivering premiums across every primal. In fiscal year 2025, the loin dominated with a $51.06 per head premium over Choice, driven by high-value cuts like tenderloin, strip loin and top butt. At 21.3% of total carcass weight, it remains the top contributor.
The chuck surprised many by ranking second at $38.84 per head premium over Choice, surpassing the rib thanks to its weight advantage—2.6 times heavier. The rib, while smaller at 11.4% of carcass weight, still added $30.39 per head and captured double the per-pound premium compared to chuck.
The round, at 22.3% of weight, contributed $17.68 per head, limited by lower tenderness and use for roasts or ground beef. Brisket and plate offered strong per-pound premiums near $0.13 and represent just 12% of carcass weight.
While it may not have started this way 47 years ago, CAB has successfully carved out premiums over commodity USDA Choice from end to end of the carcass.
