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
CAAIN receives $50 million from Ottawa Thursday, August 27, 2026 The federal government is investing in Canadian agriculture through technological innovation. Ottawa is providing the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) with $50 million to support its work of funding innovative projects in ag, Industry Minister Mélanie... Read this article online
2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour forecasts a New Record High in Corn and Soybean Yields Thursday, August 27, 2026 Ontario farmers could be on track for one of the most productive growing seasons in provincial history. The 2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour is forecasting a record average corn yield of 206 bushels per acre (“bpa”), with a range of +/-1% at 203.94 to 208.06 bpa depending on how the season... Read this article online
Court Approves First Monette Farms Land Sale Amid Insurance Questions Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Monette Farms has cleared an important milestone in its creditor protection proceedings, with a court approving the first sale of property as the company continues efforts to reduce debt and restructure its operations. At the same time, new uncertainty has emerged regarding the farm... Read this article online
Protect Grain from Allergen Risks Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Maintaining a reputation for clean and safe grain is important for Canadian farmers, grain handlers, and the agriculture industry. Evensmall amountsof allergenic crops mixed with cereal grains can create serious food safety concerns and lead to shipment rejections in domestic and... Read this article online
Canadian Wool Industry Responds to New U.S. Tariffs Wednesday, August 26, 2026 The Canadian Wool Council has raised concerns about the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian wool and other products. The United States has introduced tariffs of 50% on a range of Canadian goods following the collapse of recent trade discussions between Ottawa and... Read this article online