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
OVC Veterinarian Helps Pets During Wildfire Crisis Tuesday, September 1, 2026 When wildfires forced many Northern Ontario families to leave their homes, veterinary support became an important part of emergency response efforts. An Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) veterinarian stepped in to provide care for pets affected by theevacuationsaccording to the OVC... Read this article online
Churchill Port Resumes Grain Exports with Durum Wheat Shipment Tuesday, September 1, 2026 The Port of Churchill has marked a significant milestone with the loading of its first grain export vessel since 2020. The ship is carrying approximately 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat supplied by Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods and is scheduled to depart for Europe this week. The... Read this article online
David Hansen Earns Top Wheat Growers Honor Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Earlier this summer, the Wheat Growers Association awardedDavidHansenthe 2026 recipient of the Shovel of Gratitude Award, one of the highest honors presented by the organization. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Canadian... Read this article online
Cover Crops Influence Corn’s Natural Pest Defences Tuesday, September 1, 2026 The choice of cover crop may do more than improve soil health and nutrient cycling. New research from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences suggests it can also influence how crops defend themselves against insect pests, creating opportunities for farmers to enhance biological pest... Read this article online
Canada Launches First Private Forest Owner Survey in Over 20 Years, Farmers Invited to Participate Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Private forests are a familiar part of many Canadian farms, providing firewood, timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and environmental benefits that extend far beyond property lines. Yet despite their importance, very little current information exists about the people who own and manage... Read this article online