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
KipTraq brings real-time data collection to the farm Tuesday, March 31, 2026 In an industry where timing, accuracy, and traceability matter, more producers are turning to digital tools that streamline how information moves from the field to the office. KipTraq is one of those tools—a mobile data‑collection and workflow platform designed to help farms, food... Read this article online
Ont. farmer Tony McQuail reflects on NDP leadership race Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Huron County farmer Tony McQuail is back at Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow after vying to replace Jagmeet Singh as the leader of the federal NDP. “It was a very hopeful and positive experience for me,” he told Farms.com. “I was very pleased with what we were able to bring to the... Read this article online
Livestock Safety Depends on Clean Water Tankers Monday, March 30, 2026 Agricultural experts warn that using inappropriate tankers for hauling water during emergencies can threaten livestock health and survival. During events such as wildfires, floods, and extreme weather, animals often lose access to clean drinking water, forcing farmers to rely on any... Read this article online
Canada’s Farm Show 2026 Drives Global Ag Innovation Monday, March 30, 2026 Canada’s Farm Show 2026, held in Regina, Saskatchewan,earlier in March,successfully brought together farmers, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across Canada and several international markets. The three-day event focused on innovation, collaboration, and growth in the agriculture... Read this article online
Will the USDA Acreage/Stocks Report provide a Market Surprise? Monday, March 30, 2026 On the weekly with Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino, he shared that the markets moved in unexpected ways during the week of March 23 to 27, as traders closely monitored the upcoming USDA planting intentions and grain stocks reports for potential surprises.... Read this article online