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Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


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

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Gearing up for Parliament’s return

Friday, September 12, 2025

With Parliament scheduled to resume on Monday, Sept. 15, Farms.com spoke with Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, about current issues affecting ag and how those could translate into the House of Commons. Overall, McCann expects the fall session to... Read this article online

Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report 2023

Thursday, September 11, 2025

The 2023 Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report was recently released by Animal Health Canada, providing a clear picture of how provinces and territories are tackling the spread of invasive wild pigs. This first-of-its-kind national collaboration shares location data, control activities, and... Read this article online

Princess Auto Plans New Guelph Store

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Princess Auto is expanding its Ontario presence with a brand-new store planned for Guelph. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026, this 30,000-square-foot location will bring a full selection of tools, equipment, and farm supplies closer to customers in southwestern Ontario. Built... Read this article online

CGC issues three licenses in early September

Thursday, September 11, 2025

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has issued three licenses to grain companies in the first half of the month. On Sept. 1, Western Harvest Bean ULC in Morden, Man., received a grain dealer license. This type of license is for “a person who, for reward, on his own behalf or the behalf... Read this article online

York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program

Thursday, September 11, 2025

A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online

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