In addition, our data suggest that even if all critical points are controlled, we will still have tough beef. Within all breeds there are animals that will not produce tender meat even when the best processing procedures are followed. This means that we must develop methodology to identify such animals. Thus, we must be able to predict tenderness of aged beef prior to or within 24 hours of slaughter. We believe the best prediction of aged beef tenderness will be obtained by combining shear force at one day after slaughter with the ELISA for calpastatin activity. These techniques can be used to segregate carcasses into aged beef tenderness groups with greater than 85% accuracy. Because this method is invasive and results in devaluation of one top loin steak per carcass, some have argued against this method of tenderness-based classification. However, a prediction method that is highly-accurate should not be discarded simply because it is invasive. Rather this system should be compared to noninvasive systems on a cost/benefit basis. Beef that is classified into tenderness groups would meet consumer expectations better because they would more consistently get what they paid for.