Who Knew Ultrasound Could Help Identify Beef Cattle Carcass Characteristics?

Jan 02, 2013

Conducting Ultrasounds Can Help Beef Farmers Maximize Carcass Profitability

Research can play a pivotal role in identifying tools that can help beef farmers make better marketing decisions. One research project that was funded by the Agriculture Adaptation Council (ACC) found a way for beef cattle farmers to determine what the perfect carcass would be for the consumer.

One of the tools that are now at beef ranchers disposal is ultrasound equipment coupled with a computer model that can assist in helping the farmer manage beef carcass prediction.

Beef carcass prediction can help farmers make more informed choices about feed utilization and inventories, which can ultimately save the farmer money.

You’re probably wondering how an ultrasound could be used to identify cattle carcass characteristics? The ultrasound equipment is used and is attached to a computer model and it’s the computer model that helps identify what the optimal day is to sell the animal on the market. The model predictions are often tailored to each individual farmer, depending on which market they are selling into.

Utilizing ultrasound equipment is a very cost effective tool that can be used by pretty much any beef farmer. More information can be found at http://www.biobeef.com/

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.