What is today's news | Tuesday, February 1, 2022

At the beginning of a busy week, it’s easy to get caught up in your routine and tasks.

Below is a roundup of the most recent news to help keep you informed.

Editor Alex Gray covers the new app launched by Bobcat. The app allows operators to check on the health of machines and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security, and performance from their mobile devices.

Machine and fleet information can be accessed through the existing Bobcat Owner Portal and from the new Bobcat Machine IQ mobile app.

The Machine IQ Basics package is a subscription service that is free for the first three years from the original equipment purchase date. This package includes basic telematics tracking including GPS location and history, operating hours, and last recorded fuel levels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new USDA Market News Mobile Application, providing farmers and everyone in the supply chain with instant access to current and historical market information.

The initial version of the free app includes nearly 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports, with additional commodities added throughout the coming year. There are both iOS and Android versions available to download through the Apple and Google Play stores. The iOS version is available now and the Android version will be available later this week.

The U.S. has the fewest beef cows in seven years, the USDA said on Monday, signaling that high meat prices will continue to rise. Ranchers increasingly sent cows to slaughter last year, rather than keeping them to reproduce, as dry weather reduced the amount of pasture for grazing in the western United States and on the Plains.

Labor shortages and workers’ fears about COVID-19 also limited slaughtering at processing plants.

At the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattlemen’s College, many producers share the latest practices and initiatives they’re employing in their operations.

Learn what some producers are doing for conservation, ecosystem credits, combined herds, direct market beef, and agritourism.

Fast Genetics, a Canadian-based swine genetics company wholly owned by STgen, has acquired Acuity, an Illinois-based swine genetics company founded by The Maschhoffs.

Fast Genetics and Acuity customers will now have access to genetic lines from both entities, as well as gene transfer centers, multiplication supply, technical services, genetic teams, and transformational technology.

“We are excited about this next phase of genetic development within The Maschhoffs system. This new alignment with Fast Genetics will add considerable value to our pork value chain,” says Bradley Wolter, chief executive officer of The Maschhoffs.