ATTN Extension Agents: New Funding Program For Regional Activities

Sep 01, 2023

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is pleased to launch a pilot initiative to support regional extension activities.

Applicants may apply to receive up to a maximum of $5,000 in funding per activity. Matching funding is encouraged, but not a requirement. Funding will be awarded for all proposals that meet the evaluation criteria until all funds have been committed. Activities must be completed by no later than August 2024.

These events must involve beef producers and be aligned with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. Activities may include:

extension meetings,
field days,
workshops,
training events or
new engagement ideas.

Preference will be given to new and innovative engagement ideas such as presenting information in a new format or demonstrating a new technology.

Applications must be submitted using the online application form. Successful applicants will be notified via email. Program closure will be updated on the call for proposals page.

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Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.