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June 30, 2011 - BIXS launch to cow-calf producers begins stage one
The Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) has begun a phased launch to cow-calf producers. The first of three launch stages will see a limited number of beef producers invited to register, log-on and submit their individual animal data to BIXS. This strategic approach provides the opportunity to gauge system functionality in real-time and identify and remedy any technical issues prior to a full-scale roll-out of the system across Canada this fall.
"It's important for us to take small steps out of the gate so we don’t have issues impacting potentially hundreds or thousands of BIXS users," said Larry Thomas, BIXS National Coordinator. "While we anticipate some hiccups, we also have the ability to move pretty quickly through the launch phases if things go well. Our goal remains to have the system rolled out to cow-calf producers across Canada by the fall calf run."
Having specific individual animal data like vaccination date and product used, castration and dehorn date and, in time, historical carcass data on a herd basis displayed in near real-time prior to and during sales at auction markets is just one example of how BIXS could benefit program participants. BIXS, a national voluntary program, will also validate animal birthdates against CCIA records. The CCA is developing tools within BIXS specific to the auction market segment of the industry. Tentative tools include the ability to access the query function within BIXS to provide strategic messaging on pending sales/events to producers with specific animals and protocols and in specified geographical areas.
Work also continues on the development of a feedlot interface with BIXS. As well, the CCA continues to work with Canadian slaughter plants to implement carcass tracking and computer vision grading solutions.
