HallMark/MLC Secure Follow-On Funding for OPTI-BEEF Project in Farming Innovation Programme
HallMark/MLC Receive Innovate UK Funding for OPTI-BEEF Commercialisation
We at MLC are delighted to announce that our sister company, HallMark, has successfully secured follow-on funding for the OPTI-BEEF Project, part of the Farming Innovation Programme supported by Innovate UK and funded by Defra. The 12-month project is set to commence in February 2024.
About the Opti-Beef Project
Initiated in May 2019, the OPTI-BEEF project was initially awarded a substantial £1.2m funding from UK Research and Innovation, through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. This was part of a larger initiative to enhance 'Productive and Sustainable Crop and Ruminant Agricultural Systems'.
Over its four-year course, OPTI-BEEF has made remarkable strides in developing an advanced decision support system. This system uniquely integrates on-farm whole-life performance monitoring with detailed carcass measurements using precision agriculture technology, applicable both on-farm and in-abattoirs.
The Path to Commercialisation
As we transition OPTI-BEEF to a commercially viable product, our focus is on refining the technology to meet the specific needs of the abattoir environment. This includes real-time image processing and ensuring accurate cattle ID linkage to images in the fast-paced and complex abattoir settings.
Key Objectives and Innovations
Our team is dedicated to achieving several critical objectives, including:
Developing a fully automated software integration solution for reliable image and UKID linkage.
Creating an algorithm for accurate carcass fat coverage/depth prediction.
Enhancing the image processing algorithm for real-time abattoir conditions.
Formulating a commercial-grade algorithm for predicting carcass conformation, fat classifications, and carcass weight.
Developing predictions for new carcass traits and integrating them into grading/pricing models.
Impact and Future Prospects
By the end of this project, we aim to have a robust abattoir imaging product ready for licensing by Defra. This product will not only be one of the few licensed VIA options for UK abattoirs but will also complement the recently developed on-farm technology. Together, they will provide the beef industry with an integrated management tool, facilitating informed decision-making, enhancing input management by producers, reducing environmental impact, and boosting returns on reared animals.
A Step Forward for the Beef Industry
This project addresses the beef industry's need for an integrated decision-making platform, offering an advanced and innovative solution. We are excited about the potential impact this will have on the industry, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we progress.
