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
Hong Kong suspends Alberta egg and poultry shipments Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Alberta eggs and poultry have temporarily lost access to an Asian trading partner. Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) which under the Food and Environment Hygiene Department is responsible for ensuring food is safe, suspended the import of poultry meat and eggs from Alberta on May... Read this article online
Alberta RCMP launches Rural Organized Crime Team Wednesday, June 3, 2026 The Alberta RCMP is launching a new unit to monitor crime in rural communities. Following a $2 million investment from the provincial government, the RCMP announced part of the funding will support the creation of a new Rural Organized Crime Team (ROCT). The ROCT will be “a mobile unit... Read this article online
Drought Reaches Record Levels Across U.S. Midwest - What's the Outlook for the Summer? Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Drier weather across the Midwest and Upper Midwest has ushered in a new wave of drought concerns, with portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana newly appearing on the U.S. Drought Monitor, according to the Nutrien Weekly Weather Intelligence Report by meteorologist Eric... Read this article online
Weekly Hog Market Facts: Ontario Prices Hold Steady While Futures Pull Back Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Ontario hog prices remained relatively stable heading into the week ending May 22, 2026, even as U.S. futures markets softened and slaughter volumes trended lower. The latest Weekly Hog Market Facts report highlights a market that continues to balance solid fundamentals with growing... Read this article online
Alberta Pork Congress 2026 Set to Bring Innovation and Industry Leaders to Red Deer Tuesday, June 2, 2026 The Alberta Pork Congress (APC) 2026 is set to return to Westerner Park in Red Deer on June 10 and 11, 2026, bringing together producers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across Western Canada for two days of innovation, education, and connection. Recognized as one of the most... Read this article online