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
B.C. ranch auction starts with $4.29 million opening bid Thursday, February 19, 2026 A ranch larger than the city of Prince George, B.C. and its roughly 78,000 acres is up for auction. CLHbid.com is auctioning the Jura Ranch and its 83,698 total acres (2,625 deeded + 81,073 leased) in May with a starting bid of $4.29 million. “The ranch offers rich soil that is high in... Read this article online
New scholarship supports young B.C. ag leaders Thursday, February 19, 2026 A B.C. ag organization has launched a scholarship to support the next generation of farmers and leaders. The BC Agriculture Council’s (BCAC) new BC Young Farmers Scholarship is for residents between the ages of 19 and 40 and enrolled in a post-secondary agriculture program. Statistics... Read this article online
Bayer Launches New Product to Help Farmers Profit from the Low-Carbon Fuel Economy Thursday, February 19, 2026 Bayer has announced the launch of newgold® seed in the United States and Canada, its first multi‑crop seed brand designed specifically for low‑carbon intensity crops. The initiative is aimed at helping farmers directly participate in the expanding market for renewable diesel and... Read this article online
Avoid De-Registered Varieties to Safeguard International Canola Trade Thursday, February 19, 2026 It has been a tough year for canola growers, but Keep It Clean is reminding farmers that growing registered canola varieties is essential to protecting export markets and maintaining the reputation of the Canadian canola industry. Quality assurance begins with proper seed selection... Read this article online
Ag in federal NDP leadership candidate plans Wednesday, February 18, 2026 The federal NDP will elect its next leader next month at the Winnipeg Convention. Before that, though, the five candidates vying for the leadership will participate in their final leadership debate in B.C. on Feb. 19. With that at top of mind, here’s how the leadership hopefuls and... Read this article online