Smithfield hit by higher hog prices Thursday, June 10, 2010 Smithfield Food Inc, and the analysts who keep an eye on it, have been caught off guard by the recent leap in hog prices. Meatingplace.com notes that Smithfield was warning investors before regular meetings that its fourth quarter numbers will be weaker than expected, in spite of changes in the way the company is doing business.A BMO Capital Markets analyst noted that Smithfield had still made the right decisions by restructuring its hog business and reducing the amount of debt carried on its balance sheet. The world's largest hog producer is expected to do much better in 2011.Higher raw material costs, meaning hogs, are affecting Smithfield's fresh pork business, while the unexpected run-up in futures has hurt the value of those assets, according to "mark to market" accounting, a system of assigning current market value to financial instruments. BP Bacon a must for foster children? Canada's share of world pork trade predicted to decline
Ontario Grows More Than Three-Quarters of Canada’s Pumpkins Friday, August 7, 2026 While pumpkins are often associated with autumn festivals and Halloween displays, Canadian farmers know the crop is also a significant specialty commodity with growing economic importance. When it comes to pumpkin production, one province stands well above the rest. Ontario accounts... Read this article online
Canola Growers Urged to Scout Blackleg Thursday, August 6, 2026 Blackleg is one of the most important diseases affecting canola production. It can reduce crop yield, lower quality, increase lodging, and affect overall farm profitability. Effective management is important formaintaininghealthy crops and producing high-quality canola. Keepit Cleanis... Read this article online
FMC Launches New Harvest Dry Down Herbicide Thursday, August 6, 2026 FMC Canada has announced the registration ofPrecisionPac®FH 20 herbicide, a new crop protection product designed to support growers during the harvest season. The product is intended to help prepare canola and other registered crops for a smoother and more efficient harvest. The... Read this article online
UFA Expands Crop Services with Ponoka Acquisition Thursday, August 6, 2026 UFA has strengthened its position in the agricultural sector through the acquisition of Ponoka Fertilizer, a well-established crop input and agronomy business serving producers in Central Alberta. The move brings together two organizations that share a strong commitment to supporting farmers... Read this article online
Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels Wednesday, August 5, 2026 A new ag competition is pitting farmers against one another. Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels sees 15 selected canola growers (14 from Saskatchewan and one from Alberta) seed a 40-acre plot with either DK401TL or DK400TL, plus a BUTEO start seed treatment. Bayer reps visit the... Read this article online