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
Peavey Mart Celebrates Prairie Growth With Seven Grand Openings Across Alberta and Saskatchewan Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Peavey Mart has completed the relaunch of seven stores across Alberta and Saskatchewan, with Grand Opening Celebrations scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 9. The milestone reflects the company’s continued growth and its ongoing commitment to supporting rural communities throughout the... Read this article online
The new Manitoba Consortium for Digital Agriculture Wednesday, April 8, 2026 A new network in Manitoba is working to bring researchers, farmers, and other industry partners together to advance digital tools in agriculture. “It’s meant to be a pan-Manitoban agricultural technology hub,” Elena GomezHaro told Farms.com about the Manitoba Consortium for Digital... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in B.C. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for British Columbia. Do British Columbians need a license to drive a tractor? If the tractor or piece of equipment is operated on private land or... Read this article online
Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence Tuesday, April 7, 2026 The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Dr Tom Funk, a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph whose influence spanned more than three decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Dr Funk dedicated over 35 years to teaching... Read this article online
Beef Cattle Code of Practice comment window opening soon Tuesday, April 7, 2026 The public will have a chance to weigh in on the updated Beef Cattle Code of Practice beginning next week. The 60-day public comment period begins April 13, which is also the day the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) will make the draft Code available. The Canadian Cattle... Read this article online