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
Winter AGM roundup Monday, January 5, 2026 It’s early in 2026 and industry groups are preparing for annual general meetings. Here’s a brief roundup of the meetings on the horizon. The Sask Crops Forum on Jan. 13 and 14 at the Western Development Museum at 2610 Lorne Ave. in Saskatoon, will include AGMS for four producer... Read this article online
Ag represented in Order of Canada recipients Monday, January 5, 2026 A member of Saskatchewan’s ag community is among the 80 newest appointees to the Order of Canada. Governor General Mary Simon appointed Wayne Brownlee, the CFO of PotashCorp who helped the company become Nutrien, to the Order of Canada on New Year’s Eve. The Order of Canada is Canada’s... Read this article online
Ontario Farmers -- Share Your 2026 Planting Plans and Win Big! Monday, January 5, 2026 Would you like an early look at what Ontario farmers will plant in 2026 and how the acreage mix might shape up? Farms.com Risk Management is inviting farmers across Ontario to participate in the Annual Ontario Planting Intentions Survey—a quick and easy way to share your plans and gain... Read this article online
What are machinery manufacturers excited about for 2026? Friday, January 2, 2026 With 2026 around the corner, Farms.com contacted reps from multiple equipment manufacturers to see what pieces of machinery or technology they’re excited for farmers to use in the new year. For CLAAS, it’s the JAGUAR 1000 Series forage harvesters it released in August. “It’s really... Read this article online
Breaking Barriers -- Why 2026 Is the Year of the Women Farmer Friday, January 2, 2026 Empowering women in agriculture through mechanization, technology, and equal opportunity As many will know, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer (IYWF), with 123 countries co-sponsoring the initiative.... Read this article online