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
Alberta Beef Producers Backs Stronger Cattle Traceability Plan Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Alberta cattle producers could see a new chapter in livestock traceability as Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) moves forward with recommendations aimed at strengthening cattle movement tracking while keeping producers at the centre of the process. The recommendations come from the Working... Read this article online
British Columbia Farmers Can Safely Dispose of Ag Waste Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Farmers across Vancouver Island and the Fraser Valley are preparing for this year’s Unwanted Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine Medications (UPLM) program, Cleanfarms’ long-running environmental stewardship initiative. The Canada-wide program gives farmers a free and responsible way... Read this article online
Canadian Farm Groups Call for National Plant Breeding Strategy Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Grain Farmers of Ontario and several producer and industry organizations across Canada are urging the government to establish a national plant breeding strategy that reflects the different needs of crops, regions and farmers. The groups have released a joint vision titled; A National... Read this article online
Lallemand Donates $5,000 to Three Canadian Communities Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Lallemand Plant Care provides $5,000 donations to three rural community projects in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta through the 2026 Hometown Roots Contest. The winning entries reflect the strong connections between agriculture, local residents, and community development. In... Read this article online
New AI Tools for Alberta Farmers Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Alberta is making a major investment in agricultural innovation through seven new genomics and data science projects designed to provide practical solutions for farmers and producers. Supported by Genome Alberta and the Government of Alberta, the projects represent a combined investment of... Read this article online