Most beef produced in the world is graded for quality. This grading is usually done by a government agency and is believed essential to the beef industry. Grading not only helps ensure the quality of the beef, but is a strong marketing strategy for the beef industry. High grade beef trades for several times the price of lower grade beef. For example, for cattle ranchers getting a good grade is everything. The USDA, who does the grading, is paid by the packers and ranchers who have the grading done.