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
Ag in the House: Oct. 5 – 9 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre used some of his time during question period on Oct. 5 to pressure the government on high diesel prices affecting farmers, and asked if the prime minister will take action. He cited a news article from Quebec where a farmer is paying an extra $2,000... Read this article online
CentreBC election promises Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Farms.com is continuing its coverage of election promises for farmers leading up to the Oct. 24 provincial election in B.C. This article focuses on CentreBC. If elected to form the next government, Elenore Sturko’s party has plans to support B.C.’s ag sector. “We will set 10-year... Read this article online
Kubota Brings Precision Guidance for Smaller Machines Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Precision agriculture technology has traditionally been associated with large row-crop tractors and high-horsepower equipment. Kubota is aiming to change that with the launch of WorkSmart Autosteer, a new precision guidance system designed specifically for compact and utility-sized... Read this article online
Heart of Harvest Supports Rural Cardiac Care Monday, October 12, 2026 The Southern Alberta agriculture community is preparing to come together for a special fundraising event aimed at improving healthcare services in the region. Heart of Harvest, presented by Crop Aid Nutrition, will support efforts to expand cardiac care services and help strengthen... Read this article online
Hensall Co-op Supports Ronald McDonald House Monday, October 12, 2026 Hensall Co-op is recognizing Co-op Week 2026 by launching a community-focused initiative designed to support rural families facing medical challenges. The program, called Farm Families Feeding Families, highlights the important role farm families play in providing food while also helping... Read this article online