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
Stephen Heckbert Takes FVGC Leadership Tuesday, September 8, 2026 The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC)hasnamedStephen Heckbertas its new Executive Director. He officially assumed the role on September 8 andbringsmore than 25 years of leadership experience in communications, advocacy, and organizational management. Heckbert is well known... Read this article online
Canada’s Retaliatory Trade Tariffs: Will They Impact Canadian Hog Producers? Tuesday, September 8, 2026 With the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products coming into effect on September 8, 2026; industry anticipates building costs and feed ingredients will be impacted. Please note, as official analysis is not yet ready, the following information is an AI generated list and should be considered... Read this article online
Canada-U.S. Trade Dispute Raises Concerns for Agri-Businesses Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Like many of their small business counterparts, Canadian agri-businesses operating across the border are warning that prolonged trade tensions could threaten their financial stability, according to a by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that was released last... Read this article online
Responsible Data Centre Development Principles Leaves Questions About Farmland Protection Tuesday, September 8, 2026 As Canada races to build the digital infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, last week the federal government released a new set of principles intended to guide future data centre development. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada... Read this article online
Black Sea Peace Prospects Influence Global Grain Prices Monday, September 7, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets remained closely tied to geopolitical developments, weather conditions and export expectations during the week ending September 4, 2026. Corn futures were largely unchanged, while soybeans posted a new contract closing high and soybean meal also strengthened.... Read this article online