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
The Future of Mega Farms Friday, July 4, 2025 Canadian farmers debate whether large-scale corporate farms are a sustainable evolution or a risky overreach. The rise of mega farms in Canada has farmers talking, and not all of them are convinced it’s a good thing. In a wide-ranging thread on Agriville.com, producers debated where... Read this article online
Stay Back, Stay Safe — Summer Rail Safety Tips for Farmers Friday, July 4, 2025 Rail safety tips every farmer should follow to keep their families, workers, and equipment safe this summer. With kids out of school and more activity around farms during the summer, it’s essential for farmers to stay alert around railway crossings, especially on rural properties where... Read this article online
Markets Show Signs of Strength Friday, July 4, 2025 On the weekly Ag Commodity Corner+ podcast with Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal, the team agreed that markets showed signs of strength during the week of July 1 to 5, led by shifting yield expectations, trade... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Al-Katib says Canada has Resources and Talent to Lead the World Wednesday, July 2, 2025 In a recent episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods and Ingredients, shared insights into the journey of Canadian agriculture in global markets. As the head of a Saskatchewan-based startup that has grown into a billion-dollar international food company,... Read this article online