A Chinese takeover of Smithfields? Monday, August 5, 2013 Last year was financially unkind to Smithfield Foods Inc., the largest pork producer in the United States. While full year sales were up a full percentage point to US$13.2 billion, net income was down to $183.8 million, nearly a 50 per cent drop from $361 million a year before.The company's press release said pork production was not a money maker last year because of higher feed costs and other inputs. Any pork producer could have told you that.No wonder shareholders were enthusiastic about Shuanghui International, the largest butcher in China, taking over Smithfield sometime in the next six months. Shuanghui was offering US$31 a share for Smithfield Foods stock, a 31 per cent premium over the previous trading price of $25.75. The sale requires federal government approval.Shareholders aren't the only ones wondering where this is going. Producers across North America wonder what it will mean if a firm from China, the largest pork consumer and producer in the world, acquires the Smithfield company, if indeed the sale is approved. Is this more pork going to China and away from North American markets, or what else might happen? BP Coping with the wild boar invasion Tennessee backs down on ag-gag law
Minnesota Wildfires Threaten Agriculture as Governor Walz Mobilizes National Guard Monday, July 13, 2026 Farmers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario and Manitoba are closely monitoring a growing wildfire situation in northern Minnesota after Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to assist firefighting efforts. The decision... Read this article online
Gordie Howe International Bridge Could Boost Canadian Agriculture Through Faster Trade and Lower Costs Monday, July 13, 2026 The upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., could provide significant long-term benefits for Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors. As announced last week, it is scheduled to open on July 27, 2026. The six-lane... Read this article online
Ontario Cherries are Ready to Eat Monday, July 13, 2026 Ontario Cherry Season Begins Across Key Fruit-Growing Regions Ontario's cherry season is officially underway, bringing one of the province's mostanticipatedsummer fruits to farm markets, grocery stores, and roadside stands. Harvest activity typically begins in July and continues through... Read this article online
New Canola Hybrids to Help Western Canadian Growers Combat Disease Pressure Friday, July 10, 2026 As disease pressure intensifies and weather conditions become increasingly unpredictable across Western Canada, crop genetics are playing a more important role in helping growers protect yield potential and maintain profitability. Proven Seed, the proprietary seed brand of Nutrien Ag... Read this article online
How Farmers and Rural Residents Can Protect Themselves from Tick-Borne Illnesses Friday, July 10, 2026 For many Canadians, ticks were once considered a problem limited to a few isolated regions of the country. Today, that is no longer the case. As temperatures warm and tick habitats expand, public health officials are reporting increasing numbers of Lyme disease and other tick-borne... Read this article online