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
Rural Broadband Solutions Move to the Forefront in Saskatchewan Wednesday, February 4, 2026 The Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee (SBAC) continues its efforts to reduce the digital divide by encouraging open discussions on rural connectivity and digital adoption. As part of this ongoing work, the committee plans to play a leading role at a national broadband conference... Read this article online
Nutrien Names Chris Reynolds Global Sales Leader Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Nutrien Ltd has announced the appointment of Chris Reynolds as Executive Vice President Global Sales. The newly created role is designed to bring unified leadership across the company’s wholesale and retail sales organizations and improve how value is delivered to customers around the... Read this article online
Canadian Olympic ties to ag Wednesday, February 4, 2026 During the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, about 3,000 athletes from 90 countries will test their mettle against one another in the quest for gold medals. In Canada’s case, multiple athletes and representatives have connections to agriculture. With that at top of mind,... Read this article online
Growing Home with BASF Opens 2026 Nominations Wednesday, February 4, 2026 After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an... Read this article online
BC’s Outstanding Young Farmer named for 2026 competition Tuesday, February 3, 2026 BC’s Outstanding Young Farmers program has selected Chilliwack producer Corné Quik as its 2026 regional winner, announcing the honour during the on January 22. Quik will go on to represent the BC/Yukon region at the national competition in Vancouver from November 26-29,... Read this article online