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
FCC Investing $1.5 Million in Rural Community Projects Across Canada Wednesday, October 28, 2026 Rural communities across Canada are receiving a boost from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), which is investing $1.5 million through its FCC AgriSpirit Fund to support 83 community projects designed to improve local infrastructure, services and gathering spaces. The funding will help rural... Read this article online
Barry Friesen Honoured for Advancing Farm Recycling Tuesday, October 27, 2026 The Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA) has recognized retired Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen with its prestigious Rs of Excellence Circular Champion Recognition Award. The honour celebrates his long-standing contributions to agricultural recycling, environmental stewardship, and... Read this article online
Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre Tuesday, October 27, 2026 Canadian canola research is receiving a major investment, with Bayer Crop Science committing more than $45 million CAD to establish a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The facility is expected to strengthen Bayer's Canadian research and development capabilities, with... Read this article online
B.C. ag will be represented in the Legislative Assembly Tuesday, October 27, 2026 British Columbians elected members of the province’s ag and food community during the 2026 election. At least four MLAs will bring experience working on farms or in B.C.’s food sector once the Legislative Assembly sits again. In Nechako Lakes, for example, rancher Diane Black with... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23 Tuesday, October 27, 2026 During question period on Oct. 20, a Conservative MP from Ontario wanted the government to share how it is supporting an ag business. Jamie Schmale, the MP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, told the House that Mariposa Dairy in Linsday, Ont. is “being hit with a $4.5-million bill every... Read this article online