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
Manitoba providing tariff support for farmers Wednesday, September 2, 2026 The Manitoba government is taking steps to assist farmers and other businesses affected by the ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. On Aug. 28 the provincial government announced more than $100 million in tariff supports. From an ag perspective, most of the supports come from... Read this article online
FETCO Calls for Labour Reform at West Coast Ports Amid Trade Uncertainty Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Canada’s growing trade dispute with the United States is creating significant uncertainty for businesses, investors and consumers. As the country works to strengthen trade relationships and diversify its international markets, reliable supply chains and greater labour stability have become... Read this article online
Irrimap Opens New Era of Smart Irrigation Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Researchers at Lethbridge Polytechnic have introducedIrrimap, a new web-based tool designed to help farmers, agronomists, and researchers better understand crop water use. The platform measures evapotranspiration (ET), which combines evaporation from soil and water surfaces with... Read this article online
CGC issues two licenses to start September Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Two grain companies started September by receiving licenses from the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) One is from Saskatchewan. On Sept. 1, JGL Commodities received its primary elevator license for a facility in Marengo. This type of license goes to “an operator of an elevator which... Read this article online
Massey Ferguson launches N-Series planters at Farm Progress Show Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Massey Ferguson North America has unveiled its new N-Series Split/Narrow Row Planters during the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, introducing a lineup designed to offer growers greater flexibility, integrated planting technology and lower long-term ownership costs. The new series... Read this article online