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
McDonalds Canada and Cargill back youth leadership in beef sustainability Tuesday, February 10, 2026 The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef announcednew supportfrom industry partnersMcDonald's Canada and Cargillto strengthen youth involvement in beef sustainability leadership. The support focuses on the CRSB Council Youth Position, a non-voting role created in 2025 to ensure youth... Read this article online
Ag industry sends messages on #CdnAgDay Tuesday, February 10, 2026 With Feb. 10 celebrated as Canada’s Agriculture Day across the country, Farms.com reached out to members of the ag industry to deliver messages to fellow farmers, and to the consumers who rely on Canadian farmers. Grain Growers of Canada’s (GGC) message to other farmers highlights... Read this article online
Canadian Cattle Association rolls out traceability survey Tuesday, February 10, 2026 The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has launched an online survey for producers to give feedback on the proposed traceability regulations. The proposed regulations, which the Canadian Food Inspection Agency paused implementing in January 2026, include mandatory premised IDs, and... Read this article online
Looking for a heritage machine Tuesday, February 10, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Tuesday, February 10, 2026 When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also... Read this article online