Danish Crown wants to sell shares Monday, December 5, 2011 Smithfield Foods is well known as the world's largest pork producer. But the world's largest pork exporter isn't on this continent.Danish Crown, 124 years old and co-operatively owned by 9,800 farmers, slaughtered 19.4 million hogs in 2009/2010 in Denmark, Britain, Sweden and Poland. It sells to 130 different countries with annual revenue of C$8.44 billion and its largest export market is the United States. It wants to raise C$1 billion in development capital and it won't come from cash-strapped farmers. So "going public" by selling stock on an exchange is being considered. The goal, according to board chairman Niels Mikkelsen, is to become one of the three largest food companies in Europe.However, Henrik Mortensen, chairman of Danske Svineproducenter, the national association of Danish pork producers, has warned that farmers must be aware of the consequences of such a step.In early October, Danish Crown laid off 400 employees in Demark packing plants because fewer pigs were being sent to slaughter than anticipated. According to a press release: "High labour costs continue to pose a major challenge for the company, which explains the continued strong focus on capacity." BP Smithfield sow numbers down, but still huge Pork products make fast-food comeback
Essential Pre-Season Seeder Prep Every Farmer Should Do Tuesday, February 17, 2026 A successful planting season starts long before the tractor hits the field. Whether you run an air seeder, box drill, or precision planter, proper preseason maintenance ensures accurate seed placement, consistent emergence, and fewer costly breakdowns. Here is a guide to getting your... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Feb. 9 – 13 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 John Barlow, the Conservative agriculture critic, wanted answers about Canada’s dealings with China and how it pertains to canola farmers. On Feb. 12, and citing a Reuters report, Barlow asked for clarification about when Canadian canola farmers would see the tariff relief the prime... Read this article online
AWC Helps Women Navigate Hard Moments in Agriculture Tuesday, February 17, 2026 In these difficult economic times in agriculture, you may be needing to have a few hard conversations. When a conversation feels tough, it’s often because something meaningful is on the line — a relationship, a job, respect, expectations, or even your own boundaries. No wonder your nervous... Read this article online
Kelle Neufeld Appointed New General Manager of Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention Tuesday, February 17, 2026 The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC), whose annual convention is Feberuary 18 and19, has named Kelle Neufeld as its new General Manager, effective May 1, 2026. Neufeld brings more than 12 years of experience in the Canadian agriculture sector, with a career focused on... Read this article online
OPP Wrangle Runaway Horses Monday, February 16, 2026 Earlier this month, Lambton County residents saw a bit of unexpected horsepower trotting through Enniskillen Township—minus the engine. According to OPP West Region, officers were called out to rescue a loose horse that had taken itself on a brisk winter outing. Under the... Read this article online