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
Al-Katib says Canada has Resources and Talent to Lead the World Wednesday, July 2, 2025 In a recent episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods and Ingredients, shared insights into the journey of Canadian agriculture in global markets. As the head of a Saskatchewan-based startup that has grown into a billion-dollar international food company,... Read this article online
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Canadian Farmers Increase Wheat and Soybean Acres Wednesday, July 2, 2025 In 2025, Canadian farmers increased the planting of wheat, oats, soybeans, lentils, corn, and dry peas, while reducing the area seeded to canola and barley. The warm and dry spring conditions across much of Western Canada helped speed up seeding operations, with all Prairie provinces... Read this article online
Manitoba pork, canola producers hold steady amid heavy tariffs Wednesday, July 2, 2025 A slab of back bacon from Natural Raised Pork comes with a waitlist. Ian Smith points to tariffs. Since the United States placed levies on imports from Canada, Manitobans have increasingly been calling Smith about his farm near Argyle, some 40 kilometres northwest of... Read this article online
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