Carcase compliance In the face of tough climatic conditions in parts of the country, MSA beef producers were able to maintain 93pc compliance to MSA minimum requirements. However, the national average MSA Index reduced by 0.09 to 57.52 points which reflects some tougher finishing conditions through the year. Grassfed cattle represented 49pc of MSA graded cattle with 88pc compliance to MSA minimum requirements while grainfed carcases had 98pc compliance. Compliance rates vary according to season changes in different regions around Australia. August had the highest rate of non-compliance for the year at just shy of10pc. Again, the major reasons for non-compliance against MSA specs were pH and meat colour. Of the carcases graded against MSA standards, 5.26pc had pH levels exceeding 5.7, while 5.85pc did not meet the meat colour specification of 1B to 3. A further 1.46pc failed to meet spec on rib fat, being less than 3mm.