The ultimate purpose of research is to serve the industry for which it was designed. The transfer of information from the lab through to the field is what links the research to the farm. It is in this transfer that the system has failed. Often, researchers may feel distanced from the industry and industry may feel that the results from the research institutions do not reach the farm gate.
The transfer of information or technology is the weakest link in the system. In workshops that I have been involved with, research scientists see their role clearly defined as just that – research scientists. They are loath to take on the responsibility of getting that information out to the broader community. Their training and focus is on the research and discovery, not on communications.
Read Also
Horns aren’t unlocking anytime soon on livestock transport standards
Standards good enough meet the definition of “humane” animal transportation still vary widely between what what industry wants, what animal rights advocates want and, between the two, what federal regulators decide is good enough.
Industry often does not know what is being done and will question the validity of some projects because they do not see a fit. It is a muddle that can only be cleared by the flow of knowledge both up and down the line.
This two-way information flow allows researchers to drill down with industry on the areas that are of value. Often an idea from industry is presented as applied production research which can be distressing when applied production research funds are inadequate. But an astute research team would be able to extract different elements from the industry need and build a model that starts with and/or includes the bench and ends up with applied production research, commercialization and technology transfer.
Likewise, the research community feels compelled to lead in areas that are emerging and may or may not yet be appreciated by industry. By collaborating with industry advisers, they can connect them to the potential outcome and benefits of the industry. For example, the current research on pain in cattle may not seem of benefit to you as a producer, but when tied to economics, it becomes very real.
Zoonotic diseases
Of greater importance is a broader understanding of zoonotic diseases, those which can be transferred between man and animal. With 70 per cent of the diseases in the world being zoonotic in nature, there is a very urgent agenda to understand, control or conquer these diseases.
Societal change often dictates the direction of research and that information may be known to one party before the other. A good example is animal welfare. Although most folks in industry feel they are doing a good job in the area of animal welfare, the public may see our everyday activities, some as simple as corralling cattle, as a violation. The co-ordination of research to ensure animals and humans are safe and comfortable, and processes and protocols are based on sound science, is not only desirable but necessary for the development of policy, regulation and legislation.
The Canadian scene has lacked a venue where researchers and industry can get together to discuss the current and future research needs and to transfer them in layman’s terms. A venue with “take-home” messages that producers can implement and where there is an opportunity for a producer voice to direct university research agendas.
The University of Calgary understands this and together with producer representation are hosting the first UCVM Beef Cattle Conference in May. This is a formal opportunity for industry and the research community to interact and provide future direction for beef cattle research. Come and listen and be represented in Calgary May 18-19. It takes open minds to bridge the gap of the invested parties whom have a stake in our agricultural future and to tie all the elements together. Visit www.ucalgary.ca for more information.
BrendaSchoeppisamarketanalystandtheownerandauthorofBeeflink,anationalbeefcattlemarketnewsletter.Aprofessionalspeakerandindustrymarketandresearchconsultant,sheranchesnearRimbey,Alberta. [email protected].
