Beef tenderness predictor works for pork Tuesday, October 2, 2012 A beef tenderness predictor also works on pork chops, says the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).The technology is based on visible and near-infrared reflectance (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy and predicts tenderness without destroying the valuable parts of the carcass. The tenderness predictor was validated using a shear cutting test to measure tenderness. It can be used to predict which USDA Select grade beef steaks will be tender when cooked.Pork isn't presented for grading the same way, so the challenge was different. A computer model was used to predict tenderness and that test was validated using 1,800 boneless loin chops during the boning and trimming process in commercial meat plants. The test also predicts which cuts of meat will look fresh longest in the grocery store. If the industry adopts the technology, the ARS' news service says, genetic selection might be based on predictions of the colour of the meat and also of tenderness. BP Diagnosing and treating umbilical and inguinal hernias in pigs The son of H1N1 spreads, with less panic
Canada approves PRRS-resistant pig for food and feed usage Friday, January 30, 2026 Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency gave pigs gene edited for resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) the green light for human and livestock consumption. “Health Canada has concluded that foods made from these pigs are as safe and nutritious... Read this article online
Geopolitics, Harsh Weather and Market Volatility Drive Major Moves in Ag Commodities Friday, January 30, 2026 The week of January 19 to January 23 delivered an unusual mix of geopolitical tension, shifting South American weather, and extreme North American cold — all of which sent commodity markets sharply higher and lower, according to the featuring Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity... Read this article online
New Research Highlights Hidden Risks of Trypsin Inhibitors in Soybean Meal Friday, January 30, 2026 Soybean meal continues to be one of the most important protein sources in swine and poultry diets around the world. But while its role in feed formulations is well established, new research suggests that not all soybean meal is created equal—and the hidden variability in soybean quality... Read this article online
AAFC response to planned cuts Friday, January 30, 2026 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) responded to a questions Farms.com asked related to the planned job cuts and losses of research facilities. Farms.com wanted to know what AAFC and Minister MacDonald’s message is to Canadian farmers concerned with the cuts, and how the government... Read this article online
Canada’s Ag Day Is Coming Soon – Here is why it matters! Thursday, January 29, 2026 Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on... Read this article online