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
World Soil Day is December 5 Wednesday, December 3, 2025 World Soil Day (December 5) shines a spotlight on the foundation of agriculture—soil.Every December 5, World Soil Day (WSD) calls attention to one of the most overlooked resources on Earth: soil. It’s the backbone of agriculture, ecosystems, and food security. We know it is a silly... Read this article online
Tips for a home rink in Manitoba Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Andrew Kippen has multiple roles. He’s the general manager of North Valley Precision Planting supporting Manitoba farmers looking to upgrade their equipment. He’s husband to Teresa, and father to their sons Owen (16) and Mason (14), and daughter Kynsley (11). But come fall and... Read this article online
Interesting Facts About Our Agriculture Industry Wednesday, December 3, 2025 The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to over 300 different farms. Farm Cash Receipts were $163.9 million in 2023, up 9.8% from 2022. The largest crop commodity is Greenhouse and Nursery, accounting for 6.1 per cent of total Farm Cash Receipts. Value of vegetable production... Read this article online
Ukraine-Russian Peace Deal Impact on Grain, Fertilizer and Energy Markets Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Earlier this week it was looking hopeful that a peace framework — backed by the United States — would end the four-year war between Ukraine and Russia. While it is certainly looking less hopeful now, there could still be some cards to play to get a deal. If a deal is struck, what... Read this article online
Alta. farmer helping raise money for Alberta Children’s Hospital Wednesday, December 3, 2025 An Alberta dairy farmer is sharing her family’s story this holiday season to raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Crystal Olive, a second-generation producer from Silver Top Dairy near Fort Macleod, Alta., visits the hospital every few months with her 15-year-old son... Read this article online