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
Ag in the House: April 27 – May 1 Monday, May 4, 2026 Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald was in the House of Commons on April 27 where he fielded a question from a Conservative MP. Jacob Mantle, the MP for York—Durham, wanted to know if the Liberals will make farm transfer and succession planning easier for Canadian farm families. “If a... Read this article online
Grains Gain Momentum as Trade Hopes, Weather Stress, and Fund Buying Converge Monday, May 4, 2026 On the weekly hosted by Farms.com Risk Management, Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, for the week of April 27 to May 1, 2026. The title for this week’s podcast was “” The two experts noted that grain, oilseed, and livestock markets are... Read this article online
Canada’s Meat Sector Joins CAFTA Ahead of CUSMA Review Friday, May 1, 2026 The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and the Canadian Meat Council have announced that CMC has joined CAFTA as a Friend of the organization, marking an important step in strengthening agri-food trade advocacy at a critical time for Canada’s export-oriented sectors. CAFTA represents... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Newfoundland and Labrador Friday, May 1, 2026 Farms.com’s Canadian tour of licensing and insurance requirements for ag machinery continues with a look at Newfoundland and Labrador. Do farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador need a license for farm equipment? If the equipment remains on private property, an operator doesn’t need to... Read this article online
When Grain Stops Moving Rail and Port Delays Cost Canada Up to $540 Million Friday, May 1, 2026 A new economic analysis commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition has found that just one week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season can cost Canada’s grain sector up to $540 million. The majority of these losses stem from missed export sales that cannot be... Read this article online