Changes to the Meat Standards Australia model are a step in the right direction to making the grading more user-friendly, AgForce cattle president Will Wilson has said.
The changes, which will be rolled out from June, include hump height being used as a direct predictor of eating quality rather than an estimate of tropical breed content, an increased number of cut options, the simplification of how tropical breed content is recorded on vendor declaration forms and new myMSA features.
Mr Wilson said he believed the changes were ultimately positive and would help improve the grading system.
"The hump height will have concerns for producers but at least it's an objective measure," he said.
"In the past it has been quite subjective when it was the estimate of tropical breed content."
The number of 'cut by cook' combinations will rise from 169 to 275, giving more secondary cut options to the food industry.
Mr Wilson said having the increased variety was a big win for producers choosing to use the MSA program.
"It just means market access," he said.
"I certainly think if we are going to have eating quality standards being recognised it should be across the board.
"These changes are a good step in the right direction."
MSA Beef Taskforce member and Cattle Council of Australia director David Hill said the changes will ensure the model maintains a high level of accuracy.