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
Protein Industries Canada Invests in AI for Agriculture Thursday, September 3, 2026 Protein Industries Canada is investing $4.9 million in two artificial intelligence (AI) projects designed to help Canadian farmers and the broader value-added agriculture sector improve productivity, safety, and decision-making. The investment includes up to $2.2 million from Protein... Read this article online
CN and CPKC report record grain movement in August Thursday, September 3, 2026 Both major railways serving Canadian farmers reported record grain movement for the month of August. Last month, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) moved 2.54 million metric tonnes of grain and related products, and 26,051 carloads. These figures include the first four weeks of the... Read this article online
Ottawa starting to roll out tariff supports Thursday, September 3, 2026 Parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba’s ag sectors are among the early recipients of tariff support from the federal government. On Sept. 3, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced almost $16 million in funding for 15... Read this article online
Quinoa - How an Ancient Grain Became a Prairie Crop Opportunity Thursday, September 3, 2026 What began as an experimental crop on Canadian farms has become a small but increasingly recognized part of the country's specialty crop sector. Quinoa, often celebrated for its high protein content, gluten-free status, and versatility in food products, has been grown commercially in... Read this article online
Manitoba providing tariff support for farmers Wednesday, September 2, 2026 The Manitoba government is taking steps to assist farmers and other businesses affected by the ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. On Aug. 28 the provincial government announced more than $100 million in tariff supports. From an ag perspective, most of the supports come from... Read this article online