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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Pilgrim's Pride fiesty when it's down

Monday, May 4, 2009

You wouldn't think that Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride, known as the world's largest chicken processor, had a lot of choice as it sheds assets in an attempt to stay afloat. Chief Executive Officer Don Jackson showed otherwise.

Pilgrim's announced on Feb. 28 that it would shut down three plants, among them one employing 1,300 in Farmerville, La. Within days, California-based Foster Farms offered $20 million for the plant, and Louisiana backed it with another $20 million. Pilgrim's Jackson refused the offer, saying that the sale would put Foster in the chicken business for a lower investment than Pilgrim's and the rest of the industry could compete with. Furthermore, the problem of too many plants and too few chickens would remain unresolved.

Days later, governor Bobby Jindal doubled Louisiana's offer, bringing the price for the plant to $60 million, a sign that perhaps he was low-balling the first time around. Later in March, Jindal announced, amid criticism, that the final price would be $80 million with the state kicking in $50 million, including $10 million in site improvements.

At press time, the state legislature had yet to approve the deal and laws had to be changed to access a development fund for the purchase. Along with the jobs, the purchase was expected to save 300 contract producers, 5,000 indirect jobs and $150 million in local and state taxes, according to Associated Press reports. BF
 

Current Issue

September 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario

Monday, September 15, 2025

Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online

Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington

Friday, September 12, 2025

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online

York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program

Thursday, September 11, 2025

A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online

Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online

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