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
BASF brings Calovor herbicide to corn producers Wednesday, November 11, 2026 BASF is bringing a new weed control product to Canadian corn farmers for the 2027 season. Calovor combines dicamba (Group 4) and diflufenzopyr (Group 19) for post-emerge control of weeds like kochia, wild buckwheat, Canada thistle, and redroot pigweed. “The Group 19 acts as a transport... Read this article online
CGC compensates producers for dealings with Grasslands Brokerage & Consulting Ltd. Wednesday, November 11, 2026 The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has compensated eligible farmers for unpaid deliveries to Grasslands Brokerage & Consulting Ltd. A review of submitted claims showed two were eligible for support under the Safeguards for grain Farmers Program, which protects farmers from non-payment if... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Nov. 2 – 6 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 During question period on Nov. 2, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked the government if it would cut taxes to provide farmers and Canadians with relief from high fuel prices. “The Liberal government is out of touch,” he said. “Yes, the farmers in my riding say the single biggest... Read this article online
Canada Makes Rural Immigration Program Permanent to Address Labour Shortages Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Rural Canadian employers struggling to find workers will have a permanent immigration pathway designed specifically to help smaller communities address persistent labour shortages. The federal government announced Nov. 9 that the will become a permanent program, following previous... Read this article online
Organic Demand Is Growing, But Canada Is Importing Much of the Opportunity Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Canada’s organic market is growing quickly, but industry leaders say Canadian farmers and processors are not yet capturing enough of that growth. Leaders from across the country’s organic value chain gathered in Ottawa Nov. 2 and 3 for where discussions focused on how Canada can... Read this article online