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
Canola Storage Tips Keep Crops Market Ready Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Farmers knowproper storage is important tomaintaincanola quality and ensure it meets market standards. One major concern for growers is the use of malathion in storage bins. Malathion residue can remain in bins for many months after treatment. This residue can transfer to canola seeds,... Read this article online
Copper thefts occurring on Manitoba farms Monday, June 8, 2026 Manitoba farmers performing equipment checks are realizing thieves targeted their operations over the winter. “We were getting ready for the season and noticed the copper wire had been cut and pulled off of an entire irrigation pivot,” Rachel Proden, who farms near Portage la Prairie,... Read this article online
Alta. farmers encouraged to take vet services survey Monday, June 8, 2026 An Alberta rural community wants farmers and ranchers to participate in a survey to highlight the importance of access to veterinary services. The Municipal District of Wainright created the survey to gather input from producers on veterinary access and how it contributes to animal... Read this article online
Water Based Nanotech Improves Pesticide Use on Crops Monday, June 8, 2026 Delivering pesticides effectively to crops is a long-standing challenge in agriculture. Traditional spraying methods often cause droplets to bounce offleavesdrift away in the air or wash into soil and water bodies. This leads to wasted chemicals with higher costs and environmental... Read this article online
Canola Crisis and Cattle Threat Shake Global Commodity Markets Monday, June 8, 2026 The market saw sharp price declines during the week ending June 5, 2026, as investment funds reduced positions and removed risk premiums related to weather and global conditions, according to the latest Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast titled “” Farms.com Risk Management Commodity Experts... Read this article online