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
RCMP warns of traffic ticket scam Thursday, July 9, 2026 Police in the Prairies are warning residents about scams alleging residents have unpaid tickets. Saskatchewan RCMP received multiple reports on June 29 of people receiving text messages indicating they’re due in court for an “unpaid traffic citation,” and that a failure to appear can... Read this article online
Manitoba Crops Under Pressure as Flooding, Hail and Excess Moisture Damage Fields Thursday, July 9, 2026 Manitoba farmers are navigating one of the most challenging stretches of the 2026 growing season as excessive rainfall, flooding and damaging hailstorms have affected crop development across large portions of the province. According to weekly crop and weather reports compiled by... Read this article online
Western wrapping up filming in rural Alberta Thursday, July 9, 2026 A new movie scheduled for a 2027 release uses rural Alberta as its backdrop. The Horseman, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Barry Pepper, is wrapping filming this week. Alberta’s branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), says the project began... Read this article online
Rigas Karamanos Wins Les Henry Award Thursday, July 9, 2026 Dr. Rigas Karamanoshas been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Les Henry Award, an honor that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to soil and water science and their practical application in agriculture across Western Canada. The award celebrates leadership,... Read this article online
Canada Boosts Beef Market Growth Thursday, July 9, 2026 The Government of Canada has announced an investment of more than $4 million to support the growth of the country's beef sector. The investment will help increase market opportunities for Canadian beef producers, strengthen trade relationships, and promote Canadian beef products in Canada... Read this article online