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
CFIA Reports Show Strong Canadian Food Safety Compliance Across National Testing Programs Friday, June 5, 2026 Newly released data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirms high compliance rates across commodities, as well as domestic and imported food products. The results, drawn from multiple national monitoring programs, highlight the effectiveness of Canada’s science-based... Read this article online
: Ontario Crops Show Strong Start Despite Weather Challenges Friday, June 5, 2026 Acorrding to the OMAFA fieldcropnews.com, crop conditions across Ontario indicate a generally positive start to the growing season, although dry weather and cool soil temperatures have created uneven growth and management challenges. Corn planting is nearly complete across most... Read this article online
FCC says with Productivity Gains, Canada’s Food Manufacturing Sector Could Add $40 Billion Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector could deliver a major economic boost over the next decade, but only if productivity growth accelerates, according to a new report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The report, , outlines how achieving three per cent annual GDP growth could add... Read this article online
North American Farm Groups Unite to Strengthen USMCA/CUSMA Ahead of 2026 Review Friday, June 5, 2026 Agricultural organizations from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are presenting a unified message to governments: protect and strengthen the North American trade framework that underpins the continent’s food system. The letter, addressed to senior trade officials in all... Read this article online
FCC Investment Boosts Farm Lending Canada Growth Thursday, June 4, 2026 Farm Lending Canada (FLC) has received a strategic investment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to improve access to financing for farmers across Canada. This investment forms part of FCC’s broader plan to invest$2 billionin the agriculture and food sector by the year 2030. The funding aims... Read this article online