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
Check Grain Quality Fast with this Shaker Box Friday, October 31, 2025 The Bushel Plus Grain Shaker Box is a quick and reliable tool for checking the quality of grain and detecting cracked kernels within seconds. Whether you’re inside the combine cab or working near the grain dryer, this portable device makes it easy to test grain samples on the spot.... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Oct. 20 – 24 Friday, October 31, 2025 MPs brought up ag and related issues multiple times during last week’s question period. On Oct. 20, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked if the Liberals would remove four taxes to make food more affordable for Canadians. “They now have four inflationary taxes that apply to... Read this article online
Kinew says drop tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to get Chinese duties dropped Friday, October 31, 2025 Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is asking the prime minister to scrap Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in return for China lifting its tariffs on Canadian canola and pork. Kinew says in a letter to Mark Carney on Saturday that while he believes protecting Canada’s... Read this article online
Canadian Organic Alliance Launches National Action Plan Thursday, October 30, 2025 New Strategy Aims to Boost Canada’s Organic Agriculture The Canadian Organic Alliance; a coalition of the Canada Organic Trade Association, Canadian Organic Growers, and the Organic Federation of Canada has unveiled an Organic Action Plan for Canada. The initiative urges federal and... Read this article online
Federal Bureaucracy Grows While Service Quality Declines Thursday, October 30, 2025 New CFIB Report Shows Small Businesses Face Slow, Inconsistent Service from Federal Departments A new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that despite significant growth in the federal public service, small businesses continue to experience slow,... Read this article online