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
USDA Corn Yield in Focus as Markets Brace for November Report Monday, November 9, 2026 U.S. grain markets are heading into a potentially important week, with farmers and traders watching to see whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture changes its surprisingly large October corn yield estimate. The November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is... Read this article online
Grain Farmers See Budget Wins, but GGC Says More Action Needed Monday, November 9, 2026 Canadian grain farmers could benefit from new tax measures aimed at encouraging farm investment and making it easier to transfer agricultural property to the next generation, but the industry says Budget 2026 leaves several major challenges unresolved. Grain Growers of Canada (GGC)... Read this article online
Clean Up That Baler Twine and Help an Alberta 4-H Club Win $3,000 Monday, November 9, 2026 Alberta farmers and ranchers have another incentive to clean up used plastic baler twine this winter. Cleanfarms, working with the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG), has launched the third edition of the , offering $12,000 in prizes while encouraging producers to recycle... Read this article online
Canada Changes TFW Rules for Rural Employers. What Farmers and the Ag Industry Need to Know Monday, November 9, 2026 Canadian farmers and agri-food employers facing persistent labour shortages could benefit from targeted changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Programannounced on Friday (November 6) aimed at giving rural businesses greater access to workers where Canadians and permanent residents are not... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Nov. 2 – 6 Monday, November 9, 2026 During question period on Nov. 2, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked the government if it would cut taxes to provide farmers and Canadians with relief from high fuel prices. “The Liberal government is out of touch,” he said. “Yes, the farmers in my riding say the single biggest... Read this article online