New remote system expands butter grading access for producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the launch of the Remote Butter Grading Program. This innovative service allows more butter producers, especially small and rural plants, to access official USDA butter grading without needing an on-site grader.
The USDA Grade AA Shield is trusted across the supply chain, offering a clear and reliable sign of butter quality for buyers, sellers, and consumers. Until now, most USDA grading services have been used by large butter manufacturers, as small producers faced high travel costs to bring a USDA grader to their facility.
The new program changes that. Instead of requiring in-person visits, trained plant staff will now collect, package, and send butter samples to USDA offices. There, graders evaluate butter based on taste, smell, and texture—called organoleptic analysis—along with reviewing product data and records. Once complete, the official USDA Quality Grade is sent back to the plant for marketing purposes.
A pilot version of the program showed promising results, with travel-related expenses cut by 45%. This makes the grading service more affordable for small and independent plants, helping them enter new markets with USDA-certified butter.
The program is only open to U.S. butter plants listed under the “Dairy Plants Surveyed and Approved for USDA Grading Services” and meeting USDA criteria. This approach ensures quality and consistency while reducing barriers for smaller producers.
Photo Credit: usda