Farms.com Home   News

WT Designated Regional Cattle and Carcass Correlation and Training Center by USDA

By Ty Lawrence
 
The United States Department of Agriculture has named West Texas A&M University as a Regional Cattle and Carcass Correlation and Training Center.
 
Three Regional Cattle and Carcass Correlation and Training Centers were established by the 2018 Farm Bill, Title XII, Section 12108. USDA graders and market news reporters visit the centers for training purposes.
 
The other two centers will be located at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., and at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Nebraska.
 
"WT is well suited for this training because we are located in the heart of beef production," said Dr. Ty Lawrence, professor of animal science and director of WT's Beef Carcass Research Center.
 
The process for implementing the center is ongoing, Lawrence said. WT faculty will facilitate and instruct; WT students also will be involved.
 
"Students will benefit by having the opportunity to interact with a diverse population of persons in the beef industry and will be able to gain new perspective of how the industry works in other places," Lawrence said.
 

Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.