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
Pork and politics: Canadians bring trade pitch to Iowa state fair Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Pork is a popular topic at the Iowa State Fair as hungry patrons mow down on barbecue and curious children gaze with wide eyes at the state’s biggest pig. But the 11-day fair in Des Moines has also proven an important opportunity for Canadians to make their case at a time of tumult in the... Read this article online
Elmers Unveils Super7 Harrow and WD2 Ditcher Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Elmer’s Manufacturing is expanding its lineup of agricultural equipment with the introduction of the Super7 Harrow and the Wolverine WD2 Ditcher. Elmer Manufacturing's latest products highlight the company’s focus on improving field performance, operator convenience, and machine... Read this article online
Manitoba Harvest Accelerates as Spring Wheat, Barley and Pea Crops Enter the Combine Stage Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Harvest activity is gaining momentum across Manitoba as producers begin combining cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops while continuing forage and silage operations. According to the latest Manitoba crop report, early harvest progress and encouraging yield reports are creating cautious... Read this article online
Grain Markets Climb on Weather and Supply Concerns Monday, August 17, 2026 Grain markets finished higher during the week ending August 14, 2026, as traders reacted to a supportive USDA August crop report, changing weather conditions across the U.S. Midwest, and continued geopolitical concerns affecting global grain supplies. The latest Farms.com Risk... Read this article online
National Citizens Inquiry hosting public ag hearings in Alberta Monday, August 17, 2026 An organization is hosting three days of conversations about agriculture in Alberta. The National Citizens Inquiry (NCI), an independent and citizen-led initiative launched in November 2022 to investigate Canadian government responses to COVID-19, is hosting “Are Farmers Safe in Canada?”... Read this article online