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
Driving farm equipment in Saskatchewan Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The start of seeding season across the Prairies means an increased presence of tractors and other pieces of equipment on roads and farms. But for a farmer or equipment operator is it as simple as turning the tractor on and going about his or her day? It depends. With that at top of... Read this article online
Prairie Farmers Get Timely Pest Control Relief Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Canadian farmers are currently facing many challenges, including market uncertainty, trade barriers, and changing environmental conditions. These issues have made farming more difficult, especially in prairie regions like Alberta and Saskatchewan. One major problem is the rapid increase in... Read this article online
CCA opposes CFIA livestock traceability proposal Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) doesn’t support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) proposed livestock traceability regulations. “After extensive producer engagement and input from provincial beef organizations, the Canadian Cattle Association does not support proceeding... Read this article online
A Young Farmer Finds the Perfect Combine Wednesday, April 1, 2026 At Farms.com, nurturing a passion for agriculture starts early, and nothing illustrates that better than a recent heartwarming video featuring young Jared Altmann and the Farms.com Ag Buyer’s Guide. In the video, Jared can be seen carefully combing through the pages of the Ag Buyer’s... Read this article online
Ontario Soybean Acres to Rise in 2026 as Economics and Weather Shape Planting Decisions Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Ontario farmers are planning a modest expansion in total acres for 2026, with soybeans emerging as a key driver of change across the province, according to the 2026 annual Farms.com Risk Management Ontario Planting Intentions Farmer Survey. The survey, conducted between January 12 and... Read this article online