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
Preparing for Farming Uncertainty Friday, July 31, 2026 Farm Management Canada has introduced a new report that proposes a , aimed at improving how Canadian producers and agricultural service providers understand and use the wide range of risk management programs, tools and practices available to them. The report highlights that while... Read this article online
Rural Albertans wanted for grief study Friday, July 31, 2026 Researchers from the University of Alberta are looking to connect with rural Albertans who’ve dealt with grief related to substance use. “What we’ve been hearing from our past research and work in the community is there’s a lot of substance use related grief,” Holly Mathias, a human... Read this article online
Central Ontario FS Expands Grain Network with Acquisition of Haley's Elevator in Burford Friday, July 31, 2026 Central Ontario FS is strengthening its presence in southwestern Ontario after signing a purchase agreement to acquire Haley's Elevator Inc., a long-established grain handling facility located in Burford. The acquisition marks another step in the growth of the company's grain elevator... Read this article online
Ag Union concerned about MOU related to Sask. research farms Thursday, July 30, 2026 The union representing agriculture workers in the public sector is concerned an MOU to keep two research farms in Saskatchewan open will ultimately result in job losses. The Agriculture Union, which represents more than 770 workers in federal agencies like the Canadian Food Inspection... Read this article online
Manitoba Produces Most of the Nation's Sunflower Crop Wednesday, July 29, 2026 With their bright yellow blooms and towering stalks, sunflowers are among the most recognizable crops in agriculture. While they are often associated with decorative gardens and summer tourism, sunflowers also represent an important commercial crop in Canada, supplying food, birdseed, and... Read this article online