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: Feb. 2 – 6 Monday, February 9, 2026 On Feb. 2, a Bloc MP wanted answers from the government about a proposed rail line and if his community is being kept in the loop about the proceedings. “A new rail corridor was announced for the train (connecting Toronto and Quebec City) at the last minute, and it is going right through... Read this article online
Alberta provides wild boar update Monday, February 9, 2026 More than 100 wild boar are no longer wreaking havoc on Alberta farms and in nearby communities thanks to the province’s Wild Boar Control Program. Professional trappers in Alberta removed 108 wild boar, an update from the Alberta government says. “In 2025 we received 72 reports... Read this article online
Making Soybeans Great Again! And A Fools Gold? Monday, February 9, 2026 On the weekly podcast by experts Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal called the Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast, the team reviewed major market movements during the week of February 2 to 6, 2026. Soybeans recorded a strong gain... Read this article online
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Monday, February 9, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, marked Food Freedom Day—the date by which the average Canadian household has earned enough income to cover its entire annual grocery bill. Each year, CFA analyzes how much of Canadians’... Read this article online
Leif Carlson Appointed VP at Cereals Canada Friday, February 6, 2026 Cereals Canada announced the appointment of Leif Carlson as Vice President, Markets and Trade, effective immediately. In this role, he is responsible for leading efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. The position plays an important role in... Read this article online