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
Ag in the House: April 27 – May 1 Monday, May 4, 2026 Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald was in the House of Commons on April 27 where he fielded a question from a Conservative MP. Jacob Mantle, the MP for York—Durham, wanted to know if the Liberals will make farm transfer and succession planning easier for Canadian farm families. “If a... Read this article online
Grains Gain Momentum as Trade Hopes, Weather Stress, and Fund Buying Converge Monday, May 4, 2026 On the weekly hosted by Farms.com Risk Management, Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, for the week of April 27 to May 1, 2026. The title for this week’s podcast was “” The two experts noted that grain, oilseed, and livestock markets are... Read this article online
Canada’s Meat Sector Joins CAFTA Ahead of CUSMA Review Friday, May 1, 2026 The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and the Canadian Meat Council have announced that CMC has joined CAFTA as a Friend of the organization, marking an important step in strengthening agri-food trade advocacy at a critical time for Canada’s export-oriented sectors. CAFTA represents... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Newfoundland and Labrador Friday, May 1, 2026 Farms.com’s Canadian tour of licensing and insurance requirements for ag machinery continues with a look at Newfoundland and Labrador. Do farmers in Newfoundland and Labrador need a license for farm equipment? If the equipment remains on private property, an operator doesn’t need to... Read this article online
When Grain Stops Moving Rail and Port Delays Cost Canada Up to $540 Million Friday, May 1, 2026 A new economic analysis commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition has found that just one week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season can cost Canada’s grain sector up to $540 million. The majority of these losses stem from missed export sales that cannot be... Read this article online