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
New Phobos™ FC360 Fungicide Boosts Crop Protection Thursday, March 12, 2026 ViveCrop Protection has announced the Canadian registration ofPhobos™FC360, a new foliar fungicide developed to provide stronger disease protection and improved on-leaf performance for farmers. The product will be available for growers across Canada beginning in the 2026 growing... Read this article online
Farm Innovators and Ag Industry Leaders Gathering in Regina Next Week -- Will you be there? Thursday, March 12, 2026 Canada’s Farm Showin Regina, Saskatchewan, presented by Bunge, will take place from March 17 to March 19, 2026, bringing together farmers, innovators and agriculture leaders for three days focused on the future of farming. The event will be held at the Avana Centre and the Bunge... Read this article online
Alberta RCMP asking for help identifying vehicle Thursday, March 12, 2026 Parkland RCMP is appealing to the public related to a crime on the property of an Alberta ag society. Police say suspects drove a gold or silver GMC Sierra onto the Rich Valley Agricultural Society’s property and drove through the outbuilding’s bay door on March 10 between 2:00 and 2:45... Read this article online
Senators examine Canada’s food system firsthand during southwestern Ontario fact finding mission Thursday, March 12, 2026 A delegation of Canadian senators conducted a full day fact finding mission on Friday, March 6, 2026, visiting several major food system organizations and research facilities across Southwestern Ontario. The tour supported the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry’s ongoing... Read this article online
Farmers Balance Costs and Technology Investments - Tractor Sales Down Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Sales of agricultural tractors and combines in the United States and Canada delivered a mixed performance in February, highlighting how farmers are adapting their purchasing decisions amid shifting commodity markets, input costs, and economic conditions. While tractor sales softened... Read this article online