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
USDA Corn Yield in Focus as Markets Brace for November Report Monday, November 9, 2026 U.S. grain markets are heading into a potentially important week, with farmers and traders watching to see whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture changes its surprisingly large October corn yield estimate. The November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is... Read this article online
Grain Farmers See Budget Wins, but GGC Says More Action Needed Monday, November 9, 2026 Canadian grain farmers could benefit from new tax measures aimed at encouraging farm investment and making it easier to transfer agricultural property to the next generation, but the industry says Budget 2026 leaves several major challenges unresolved. Grain Growers of Canada (GGC)... Read this article online
Clean Up That Baler Twine and Help an Alberta 4-H Club Win $3,000 Monday, November 9, 2026 Alberta farmers and ranchers have another incentive to clean up used plastic baler twine this winter. Cleanfarms, working with the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG), has launched the third edition of the , offering $12,000 in prizes while encouraging producers to recycle... Read this article online
Canada Changes TFW Rules for Rural Employers. What Farmers and the Ag Industry Need to Know Monday, November 9, 2026 Canadian farmers and agri-food employers facing persistent labour shortages could benefit from targeted changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Programannounced on Friday (November 6) aimed at giving rural businesses greater access to workers where Canadians and permanent residents are not... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Nov. 2 – 6 Monday, November 9, 2026 During question period on Nov. 2, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked the government if it would cut taxes to provide farmers and Canadians with relief from high fuel prices. “The Liberal government is out of touch,” he said. “Yes, the farmers in my riding say the single biggest... Read this article online