c. Resident Poultry Grading. Resident or continuous grading is usually
performed by a grader assigned to a specific processing plant on a full-time or a part-
time basis. Resident graders are available at all times. If more than one grader is
assigned to a plant, one of them will be designated as the grader-in-charge.
(1) Location of graders. Most resident grading is performed in processing
plants. Grading is also performed at shipping points in the more concentrated
production areas. Major distribution centers or destination points (terminal markets)
also use resident grading services.
(2) Authorized personnel. In plants processing a large volume of poultry,
the resident grader is assisted by plant employees authorized to grade. These
authorized personnel, under the supervision of the resident grader, sort the poultry
according to quality. Final grading and certification is made by the resident grader.
(3) Cost. Resident grading costs include an amount equal to the salary of
the grader and a charge based on the volume of products handled in the plant. The
charge is made to cover supervisory and administrative costs.
(4) Temporary plant basis. Most poultry grading services provided to
resident plants are available on an as-needed basis. Temporary plant fees are based
on the time needed to do the work.
d. Fee Grading. The grading is performed when an applicant requests grading
of a particular lot or carload of poultry. Requests for this type of service are usually
made on an irregular basis, and the charges are based on the time needed to perform
the service. Most fee grading is done at locations other than processing plants, such as
distribution facilities or destination points. Some shippers and processors also use this
type of service to fulfill purchase contract specification. Most poultry graded in this way
is graded on a representative sample basis.
1-12. DUTIES OF A POULTRY GRADER
The USDA licensed graders are thoroughly instructed in their duties. The major
responsibilities of a poultry grader follow.
a. Grading Product. A poultry grader grades a product for class, quality,
quantity, and/or condition.
b. Condition Inspecting. A poultry grader makes condition inspections of
poultry containers and transportation vehicles.
c. Weight Testing. A grader makes weight tests when requested.
d. Supervising. A grader supervises the grading procedures of all authorized
personnel under the grader's jurisdiction.
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