Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

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

Current Issue

February 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

Canadian tech leads the way for egg gender testing

Friday, February 7, 2025

Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash Canadian Egg Technologies and MatrixSpec Solutions Inc. have announced that their technology is delivering accurate in-ovo gender determination for white and brown eggs as early as the fourth day of incubation. Called a transformative breakthrough for... Read this article online

Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Help Line for Canadian Farmers

Friday, February 7, 2025

A new mental health initiative is now available for Canadian farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers. The National Farmer Wellness Network (NFWN) Crisis Line, 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701), offers confidential and specialized mental health support tailored to the unique challenges... Read this article online

Seeds Canada Strengthens Trade Ties with CAFTA

Friday, February 7, 2025

Seeds Canada has joined the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) as a Friend of CAFTA, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing trade opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. This collaboration aims to promote a fair and open international trading environment,... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top