December 9, 2013
 
Canada invests US$1.4 million to adopt new meat grading system

 

In order to adopt a new meat rading system, the Canadian government invested US$1.4 million for the system to use computer indexing and grading protocols.

 

Stakeholders in government and industry say analysis of the data generated by the new system will help improve flock genetics and feed management practices while reducing operating costs. The new system will also enable better traceability, in addition to benefits to Canada's domestic lamb market, a must for exporting lamb to international markets. The system was designed and built in Canada, and it is the first of its kind to be used in the Canadian lamb industry.

 

"This is a very important step forward in increasing the farm cash receipts of lamb producers," said Terry Ackerman, chief executive officer, Canadian Lamb Producers Cooperative (CLPC). "The new electronic lamb grading system will facilitate the payment of a premium to CLPC members for higher quality lambs."