The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today that it is seeking input from the public and stakeholders on how the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef may be updated to better serve the needs of industry, large volume food buyers and modern consumers. Since the last update to the Beef Grading Standards have been implemented beef production and quality assessment methods have changed significantly, as have consumer preferences.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board to succeed 25 members with 3-year terms that expire in February 2027 who represent the following states and units:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host an informational webinar to help small and mid size meat and poultry processors access and use market information available through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The session will introduce participants to a range of free AMS Market News tools that support business planning, price discovery, and marketing strategies.

Become a USDA Vendor | Understand the Requirements | Apply | Application Review Timeframe | Resources

Become a USDA Vendor | Understand the Requirements | Apply | Application Review Timeframe | Resources

Become a USDA Vendor | Understand the Requirements | Apply | Application Review Timeframe | Resources

Apply

If you believe you have the capability to produce the materials purchased by AMS, and understand the federal acquisition and other unique requirements, thank you for your interest in becoming a USDA vendor!

Become a USDA Vendor | Understand the Requirements | Apply | Application Review Timeframe | Resources

Understand the Requirements

Thank you for your interest in becoming a USDA vendor.  Explore the resources and documents below to determine if our programs are a good fit for you.

AAA – Live Animal Specification (pdf) or RAAA – Live Animal Specification (pdf)

USDA Certified Information –  G-173 Specification (pdf), effective May 2026

Program Contact

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has delayed the effective date of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems final rule from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the continuance referendum requirement under the federal marketing order for South Texas onions is suspended temporarily until 2032.