1.   Consumers had no reliable way to distinguish quality beef, and the market had no way to reward ranchers who raised better cattle.

2.   IBP paid higher prices to ensure its pick of top quality beef and its ability to accept cattle for slaughter on a delayed basis, Palmer said.

3.   Incentives should also be given to all those interested in setting up cattle farms to produce quality beef.

4.   Japan has recently been aggressively developing cloning techniques in order to maintain the competitiveness of its cattle industry by producing high quality beef at a cheap price.

5.   Since the market is localised, the traders do not trouble themselves about ensuring either sufficient supply or quality beef.

6.   There is a great demand for good quality beef.