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
Energy Supply Disruptions Keep Oil and Fuel Prices Elevated Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Disruptions to Middle Eastern oil flows continue to shape global energy markets, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s May Short‑Term Energy Outlook. The report outlines ongoing supply constraints, rising crude oil prices, and longer‑term impacts on fuel, propane,... Read this article online
Nfld. government making farmland available Tuesday, May 12, 2026 The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is helping grow the province’s agriculture industry through a farmland availability initiative. The government is making about 3,000 acres of Crown farmland available to interested producers. The land is broken up into 14 parcels across the... Read this article online
Tom Green bringing celebrities to his Ont. farm Tuesday, May 12, 2026 A Canadian known for his comedic chops in Hollywood is bringing some friends to his Ontario farm. THE TOM GREEN FARM, starring Tom Green, whose movie credits include Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, begins airing on May 29 on Crave. The backdrop of the show is Green’s 150-acre farm in... Read this article online
New Funding Helps Farms Adopt Clean Technology Monday, May 11, 2026 Canadian agri-businesses are playingan important rolein developingnew solutionsthat reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the long-term strength of agriculture. To support this work, the Government of Canada is partnering with non-profitagtechorganizations to help small and... Read this article online
Sask. MLA cites Monette Farms in question period Monday, May 11, 2026 An ag situation playing out publicly in Saskatchewan is one reason a special committee is needed in the province, an NDP MLA said. During question period on May 6, Trent Wotherspoon, the MLA for Regina Mount Royal and the NDP’s deputy ag shadow minister, asked Agriculture Minister David... Read this article online