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
Health Canada opens consultations on drone pesticide applications Thursday, February 26, 2026 Health Canada is asking Canadians to weigh in on the topic of drone pesticide applications. Canada does allow a small number of products to be applied via drone. These include VectoBac 200G, a biological larvicide, and Garlon XRT, which controls woody plants and broadleaf weeds in... Read this article online
New award for Alberta's ag community Wednesday, February 25, 2026 An Alberta ag industry group is developing its own award to celebrate farmers who go above and beyond for their communities. Social media posts on Feb. 21 from Alberta Grains indicate the organization is creating what it calls the Alberta Grains Community Impact Awards. “Alberta Grains... Read this article online
B.C. government helping farmers invest in tech Wednesday, February 25, 2026 The application window is open for B.C. farmers to apply for support related to investing in on-farm technology. The B.C. government is accepting submissions for the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program until April 6. The $2.5 million collaboration between the provincial and... Read this article online
Ag and immigration tied together in the Constitution Tuesday, February 24, 2026 A section of the Constitution declaring agriculture and immigration fall under provincial jurisdiction clears the path for the fall referendum, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said. Speaking with reporters on Feb. 23 Smith pointed out Section 95 of the Constitution. This part of the... Read this article online
Wilson Farms Sponsors Ontario Four 2026 Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Wilson Farms Grain has been announced as the Supreme Champion Sponsor of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series for the 2026 season. This partnership connects one of Eastern Ontario’s leading grainlogisticsenterprises with one of the province’s most respected draft horse competitions. Known... Read this article online