A Chinese takeover of Smithfields? Monday, August 5, 2013 Last year was financially unkind to Smithfield Foods Inc., the largest pork producer in the United States. While full year sales were up a full percentage point to US$13.2 billion, net income was down to $183.8 million, nearly a 50 per cent drop from $361 million a year before.The company's press release said pork production was not a money maker last year because of higher feed costs and other inputs. Any pork producer could have told you that.No wonder shareholders were enthusiastic about Shuanghui International, the largest butcher in China, taking over Smithfield sometime in the next six months. Shuanghui was offering US$31 a share for Smithfield Foods stock, a 31 per cent premium over the previous trading price of $25.75. The sale requires federal government approval.Shareholders aren't the only ones wondering where this is going. Producers across North America wonder what it will mean if a firm from China, the largest pork consumer and producer in the world, acquires the Smithfield company, if indeed the sale is approved. Is this more pork going to China and away from North American markets, or what else might happen? BP Coping with the wild boar invasion Tennessee backs down on ag-gag law
Alberta, B.C. Cattle Producers Unite to Support Wildfire-Affected Ranchers Monday, September 14, 2026 Cattle organizations in Alberta and British Columbia are joining forces to help livestock producers navigate the ongoing challenges created by wildfires, drought, and feed shortages. The B.C. Cattlemen's Association (BCCA) and Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) have announced a... Read this article online
Tight Corn Supplies and Rising Chinese Demand Could Fuel Next Grain Market Rally Monday, September 14, 2026 The U.S. Department of Agriculture's September crop report delivered a mixed reaction from grain markets, but according to Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino, the longer-term outlook remains constructive for corn and soybeans. Speaking during the for... Read this article online
5 Ways Farmers Can Reduce Combine Losses and Improve Harvest Performance in 2026 Monday, September 14, 2026 As combines begin rolling across corn and soybean fields, Iowa State University specialists Doug Houser and Luke Fuhrer are reminding producers that harvest success is about more than speed. According these two experts from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU... Read this article online
Smart Cover Crop Management Boosts Soil Health and Yields Monday, September 14, 2026 Cover crops have become an important management tool for farmers across the Midwest. They offer several benefits, including reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, controlling weeds, conserving moisture, increasing organic matter, and retaining valuable nutrients such as nitrogen.... Read this article online
The cost of filling a combine in Canada Monday, September 14, 2026 Canadian diesel prices are high. “The price of diesel has gone up pretty much everywhere to levels that we have never seen,” Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, told CTV News Channel on Sept. 12, adding he expects the high prices to stick around for almost nine... Read this article online