Worldwide hog production shrinks and Smithfield rocks Sunday, February 6, 2011 Only last June, a troubled Smithfield Foods Inc., based in Virginia, was denying published reports from Brazil that it was going to sell its pork production to JBS, the Brazilian meat packing giant that had already purchased Smithfield's beef operations. What a difference a few months make for the self-described world's largest pork processor and hog producer. While worldwide hog production shrank two per cent, Smithfield reported record high earnings in the quarter ending Oct. 31.Smithfield made money on both pig raising and processing. Live hog market prices rose 54 per cent to $56 per hundredweight from $36. Cutout prices rose more. "Smithfield is performing at record levels and we are focused on continuing to deliver strong earnings in the second half of fiscal 2011. All indications are that fiscal 2011 will be a record year for the company," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer, in a December press release.Published reports indicate that Smithfield managed to pay down half of a US$1 billion debt in bonds that were due in 2011. The other half may not be as easy, since recently the U.S. government renewed an ethanol subsidy that keeps grain prices high. BP 'Pocket pigs' pose problems Commercial feed is the salmonella culprit
Leif Carlson Appointed VP at Cereals Canada Friday, February 6, 2026 Cereals Canada announced the appointment of Leif Carlson as Vice President, Markets and Trade, effectiveimmediately. In this role, heis responsible forleading efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. The position playsan important rolein supporting... Read this article online
Canadian Grain and Pork Sectors Join Others in Sound Alarm Over AAFC Research Cuts Friday, February 6, 2026 The Grain Growers of Canada (CGC), the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are expressing serious concern following recently announced staff reductions and facility closures or consolidations within Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC). The groups warn that... Read this article online
Conservatives back Poilievre in leadership review Friday, February 6, 2026 The Conservative Party of Canada is Pierre Poilievre’s to lead into the next election. Party delegates voted 87.4 per cent in favour of keeping Poilievre on as leader during the 2026 Conservative Convention in Calgary, Alta. Under the party’s constitution, a leadership review is... Read this article online
New cereals seed treatment from Syngenta Thursday, February 5, 2026 Syngenta is bringing a cereals seed treatment to market offering two kinds of activity on wireworms in Canada. Equento Cereals has six active ingredients, including a new Group 30 insecticide. “We’re launching a new ingredient called PLINAZOLIN,” Justin Bouvier, product lead for... Read this article online
Ontario maple producers to kick off 2026 syrup season with First Tapping Ceremony Thursday, February 5, 2026 The start of Ontario’s maple syrup season will be officially welcomed next month as the Grey Bruce and District Maple Syrup Producers prepare to host their annual in Grey Highlands on February 8, 2026. The event marks the symbolic launch of the new maple season, when producers,... Read this article online