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
Organic Sales in Canada Hit $9.75B with Demand Growing Tuesday, September 16, 2025 This September marks the 17th Organic Month in Canada, and the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is spotlighting the sector’s progress with its 2025 Quick Facts. The national campaign, which runs from September 1-30, raises awareness about the value of organic agriculture and... Read this article online
Ag in the House returning with fall session of Parliament Monday, September 15, 2025 A new session of Parliament started on Sept. 15, meaning a new series of Ag in the House articles is soon to follow. For those new to the series, it’s a weekly article designed to keep members of the Canadian ag industry up to date about how much time issues related to agriculture receive... Read this article online
Crop report reveals slight reduction in U.S. corn yield estimates–are estimates too high? Monday, September 15, 2025 In the latest , hosted by Farms.com Risk Management's Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, the experts reflected on key market trends and forecasts for the week of May 12 to 16, 2025. This week saw strong momentum in agricultural markets.... Read this article online
Cdn. delegation returns from canola trip to China Monday, September 15, 2025 The prime minister’s office expressed optimism following a Canadian delegation’s trip to China about multiple trade issues including canola. Sask. Premier Scott Moe led the trip. Kody Blois, the parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Carney, participated as a federal... Read this article online
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online