The page shows introductory information about the Accuracy Task Force, its composition and Terms of Reference
Convenor
Brian Wickham
Members
Martin Burke – Lean Plus – (Ireland)
Albert De Vries – University of Florida (USA)
Bevin Harris – LIC (New Xealand)
Kees de Koning – WUR (The Netherlands)
Esa Mäntysaari – MTT Agrifood Research (Finland)
Filippo Miglior – CDN (Canada)
Harrie van den Bijgaart – Qlip B.V. (The Netherlands)
Joel Weller – ARO Volcani Research Center (Israel)
Karl Zottl – LKV (Austria)
ICAR Accuracy Task Force Report
The final Report of the Accuracy TF is available here
Terms of Reference
1.1 Background
The purpose of this paper is to outline the terms of reference for the ICAR Accuracy Task Force Group.
This proposal follows on from the discussions that took place in June and July 2013 following the ICAR meetings in Aarhus, Denmark. This report is for consideration by the ICAR Board.
The following sections cover the key elements of the recommended Terms of Reference for the Accuracy Task Force.
1.2 Objectives of the Accuracy Task Force
The objectives of the Accuracy Task Force are to:
- Develop a sound philosophical basis for ICAR to use in establishing accuracy for the collection of animal recording data that is incorporated into information services that support:
– a.breeding,
– b.farm management,
– c.traceability/supply chain/quality assurance, - health/welfare.
- Provide statistical tools and, for use by ICAR Groups in establishing accuracy relevant to their particular area of expertise.
1.3 Governance
The ICAR Accuracy Task Force will have a Chair appointed by the ICAR Board and will be self-‐governed. The Chair may, in consultation and agreement with the ICAR Groups Co-‐ordinator, appoint members to the Task Forces.
The Task Force will comprise members who cover all of the following interests:
- Interest in statistical tools for assessing the accuracy of information used in decision-making.
- Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of recording devices
- Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of milk analysis.
- Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of information derived from animal recording data provided for use in breeding decisions.
5.Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of information derived from animal recording data provided for use in farm management decisions. - Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of information derived from animal recording data provided for use in traceability/supply chain/quality assurance decisions.
- Interest in methods for determining the accuracy of information derived from animal recording data provided for use in health/welfare decisions.
The Task Force may, from time to time, recruit members to provide specialist and expert advice on topics of relevance to achieving the objectives of the Group.
1.4 Secretariat and Reporting
Role of Accuracy Task Force Secretariat:
- Task Force Meetings – agree dates and venues in consultation with Chairperson, provide notice of meetings to members, agree agenda with Chairperson, distribute agenda, take minutes, agree minutes with Chairperson, and distribute minutes.
- Group Composition – maintain list of Group members with up-to-date contact details.
1.5 Communications with the ICAR Board
- Annual report and a final report on completion of the Task Forces work to the ICAR Board.
- The ICAR Staff support person as identified from time to time by the ICAR Secretary General. All communications for the Group are to be copied to this person.
- Participation of the Chairperson in meetings with the Board, normally on an annual basis coinciding with the ICAR Annual Meetings.
1.6 Priorities
Priorities are to be established by the Committee taking account of its terms of reference and any requests from the ICAR Board.
That the priorities for Accuracy Task Force in the next year include the following:
- Consult with manufacturers and users of in-line devices to obtain their views on the key consideration related to data recording accuracy.
- Establish accuracy for in-line devices for measuring milk volume, milk components or milk characteristics