a) Understand proper incentivization of greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.
b) Note methods of market volatility protection, especially understanding mixed farms vs grain farms using government business risk management programs.
c) Understand the costs and benefits of a more traceable system, also given that improved traceability might come with more benchmarking abilities.
d) Complete a gap analysis of, and note barriers to the implementation of better vaccinating strategies and changing management practices to note preconditioning, reduced stress, etc.
e) Conduct an evidence-based risk-assessment of the effectiveness of alternative production practices (e.g. preconditioning, methods of reducing stress in weaned calves).
f) Assess demonstration projects, noting practices and programs which deliver information the most efficiently.
g) Investigate various insurance programs for beef producers to maintain profitability.