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’s 2025 Wheat Crop Shows Strong Quality and Yields Thursday, November 20, 2025 Cereals Canada has released its annual New Wheat Crop Report, offering global and domestic buyers a detailed look at the performance and quality of Canada’s 2025 wheat harvest. The report outlines key findings on milling characteristics, flour and semolina quality, and how the wheat... Read this article online
Manitoba throne speech touches on ag and rural communities Thursday, November 20, 2025 Manitoba’s agriculture and rural communities received a few mentions in Nov. 18th’s throne speech to open the third session of the 43rd legislature. One mention included future support for the livestock sector. Over the coming year “we will develop the legislative tools for a new... Read this article online
CFIA suspends certain livestock shipments from the U.S. Thursday, November 20, 2025 Some shipments of Canadian hogs, horses, and other livestock returning to Canada from the U.S. are suspended indefinitely. A note from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to exporters says it took this action after horses on two separate premises in Arizona’s Cochise County tested... Read this article online
Ont. farmer raises money for employees affected by Hurricane Melissa Thursday, November 20, 2025 An Ontario farmer collected donations to support members of his staff affected by Hurricane Melissa. Brad Raymont employs nine migrant workers from Jamaica to help harvest strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries at Raymont’s Berries in Cottam. “Our farm wouldn’t exist without these... Read this article online
Canadian Farmers Seek Fair Succession Tax Reform Thursday, November 20, 2025 Family farmers across Canada are urging the federal government to update tax rules that they say no longer reflect the reality of modern farming families. Current laws under the Income Tax Act allow farmers to transfer their farms to their own children without immediate tax... Read this article online