January 11, 2010 - Feedlots set to join BIXS this year should collect and store required data as cattle enter the lot

Through the initial and on-going testing and early launch period of BIXS (Beef InfoXchange System), cattle from cow-calf operations that have yet to join will be gone from the farm or ranch through the fall run and into winter. These cow-calf producers will join BIXS and enter their required and optional data as the program gets up to full speed in early 2010. Obviously, not all cattle coming to feedlots will, ultimately, be BIXS program animals. But chances are a good number will be and if the required information upon feedlot entry is not collected, a significant step in the process is missed. This will not be a concern later as BIXS evolves and participation across the beef chain builds, but for now it is a reality of starting a new program.

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November 25, 2009 - BIXS ‘soft launch’ a success with producers

The feedback from beef producers from Ontario and across all western provinces during the BIXS (Beef InfoXchange System) ‘soft launch’ cow-calf test proved very constructive.

The BIXS team took responses from this test and incorporated the feedback into the final touches on the web portal’s design and functionality. Once complete, the CCA and BIXS team will need another group of voluntary cattle producers to test the latest version and provide further suggestions and feedback.

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November 23, 2009 - Beef specialist hired as BIXS Program Administrator

Don Milligan, a former beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture, has been hired to fill the role of Program Administrator for BIXS (Beef InfoXchange System).
 
With a Masters’ degree from the University of Alberta, Milligan spent 34 years supporting the Alberta and Canadian beef industry through a variety of roles; which included the co-management of the Canada/Alberta Industry Development Fund, and some of the early testing of RFID technology in collaboration with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA).

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September 14, 2009 - BIXS moves to ‘soft launch’ phase with cow-calf producers

Working with a group of about 100 dedicated and supportive cow-calf producers and platform partners across Canada the BIXS program has moved to the ‘soft launch’ phase of development. For the next few weeks these cow-calf producers will help test out the registration and animal data upload and transfer process. The aim is to identify and work out any fundamental glitches prior to going to a full launch to cow-calf and feedlot producers this coming fall.


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