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
Canola Storage Tips Keep Crops Market Ready Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Farmers knowproper storage is important tomaintaincanola quality and ensure it meets market standards. One major concern for growers is the use of malathion in storage bins. Malathion residue can remain in bins for many months after treatment. This residue can transfer to canola seeds,... Read this article online
Copper thefts occurring on Manitoba farms Monday, June 8, 2026 Manitoba farmers performing equipment checks are realizing thieves targeted their operations over the winter. “We were getting ready for the season and noticed the copper wire had been cut and pulled off of an entire irrigation pivot,” Rachel Proden, who farms near Portage la Prairie,... Read this article online
Alta. farmers encouraged to take vet services survey Monday, June 8, 2026 An Alberta rural community wants farmers and ranchers to participate in a survey to highlight the importance of access to veterinary services. The Municipal District of Wainright created the survey to gather input from producers on veterinary access and how it contributes to animal... Read this article online
Water Based Nanotech Improves Pesticide Use on Crops Monday, June 8, 2026 Delivering pesticides effectively to crops is a long-standing challenge in agriculture. Traditional spraying methods often cause droplets to bounce offleavesdrift away in the air or wash into soil and water bodies. This leads to wasted chemicals with higher costs and environmental... Read this article online
Canola Crisis and Cattle Threat Shake Global Commodity Markets Monday, June 8, 2026 The market saw sharp price declines during the week ending June 5, 2026, as investment funds reduced positions and removed risk premiums related to weather and global conditions, according to the latest Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast titled “” Farms.com Risk Management Commodity Experts... Read this article online