Until October 1999 all New Zealand livestock sent to slaughter were graded under one nationally administered grading system. Asure New Zealand Limited audited grading at the processing plants by randomly visiting and assessing the grading.
Whilst it is now possible for an individual processor to grade to a unique and complete new set of standards most - including Taylor Preston - have remained using the Meat New Zealand standard grading system. The main advantage of staying with this system is familiarity - for producers, buyers and sellers of New Zealand meat alike. Some processors have offered a slight variation to the meat board grades to emphasis their preference for a type of carcass.
The New Zealand livestock grading system is based on four factors:
In addition to these factors animals are mouthed (by inspecting the incisor teeth) to confirm age and subsequently what livestock class they fall into for grading purposes.
To view the Meat New Zealand's grading system please click on link below:
Beef Classifications Sheep Classifications