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
North American Agriculture Leaders Back USMCA and Long-Term Trade Stability Monday, October 5, 2026 Agriculture officials from the United States,Canada, and Mexico are reinforcing their support for a stable and predictable North American trade environment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to strengthen rural economies and agricultural supply chains. That message emerged from... Read this article online
Canada Boosts Swine Research Innovation Monday, October 5, 2026 Canada's pork industry is set to benefit from a major research funding initiative aimed at solving key challenges and creating new opportunities for growth. Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), with support from the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), has launched the Advancing Swine Research... Read this article online
New Brunswick Farm's Record Gourd Tunnel Draws National Attention Monday, October 5, 2026 A New Brunswick farm is attracting attention from across Canada after creating what is being described as the world's longest gourd tunnel, transforming a traditional crop into an eye-catching attraction that is drawing visitors to the countryside. Located in Scotch Settlement, New... Read this article online
Solar Farms Help Protect Pollinators and Ecosystems Monday, October 5, 2026 Solar energy facilities can do more than generate electricity. The land between and around photovoltaic panels can also be managed to support pollinators, improve environmental conditions, and provide additional benefits for nearby farms and communities. Penn State Extension reports... Read this article online
Soybean Harvest Tips to Improve Farm Returns Monday, October 5, 2026 Soybean producers have spent months preparing for harvest, managing everything from planting and crop protection to field scouting and changing weather conditions. Once harvest begins, however, there are still opportunities to protect the value of the crop by reducing losses in the... Read this article online