An economy where food and pigs count Thursday, October 1, 2009 In China, food makes up one third of the consumer price index and pork is a big chunk of that. On average, the Chinese consume 110 pounds of meat per person per year and 65 per cent of that is pork. There are too many pigs in China, so inflation is likely to be kept in check. China needs 410 million pigs, including 41 million sows, to keep production in equilibrium, according to its central planning agency. There were 44.7 million live hogs and 48.3 million sows at the end of June, a huge increase from the year before, when there was a pork shortage and high prices.In February, 2008, NBC News reported that pork prices had risen 50 per cent compared to the previous year. The rise was blamed on the growing economy, blue ear disease, high grain prices and bad winter weather. Chinese markets are generally independent of world markets, although China does import pork from Smithfield Foods in the United States.There were concerns that raging inflation might cause poor economic times and upheaval in China. Economic and social upheavals in China go hand-in-hand. The last round was in 1989. Does anyone remember Tiananmen Square? BP Why did Ontario pig marketings spike in August? Cover Story: Right-sizing, supply management, the Quebec model?
Alberta Crop Harvest Nears Completion with Gains Friday, October 3, 2025 According to the latest AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey, Alberta’s harvest is advancing quickly thanks to warm and dry conditions across much of the province. By September 23, 2025, 77 percent of major crops were harvested, an increase of 18 percent from the previous... Read this article online
Sowing Solutions--Guelph’s Agri-Food Research Gets Federal Spotlight Friday, October 3, 2025 The University of Guelph welcomed two prominent federal representatives for a day of engagement and discovery on Friday, October 3rd. Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph, hosted the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, for a comprehensive tour... Read this article online
Downtown Diner Delivers a Taste of Canadian Farming to Ottawa Friday, October 3, 2025 This week, the heart of Canada’s capital was filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Canadian agriculture as Sparks Street played host to the Downtown Diner, a pop-up event celebrating Canadian food and the farmers who make it possible. At the center of the conversation was... Read this article online
Peavey Mart Reboot- New Ownership Group Targets 7–12 Stores Thursday, October 2, 2025 For many, Peavey Mart, is a name synonymous with rural retail in Western Canada. As previously reported by Farms.com (read the article Is Peavey Mart Making a Comeback?), the new ownership group that acquired the Peavey Mart name and intellectual property from the now-defunct Peavey... Read this article online
When Cattle Roam--Legal Risks and Road Safety for Rural Drivers Thursday, October 2, 2025 It’s late. A vehicle barrels down a rural highway. Suddenly—impact. A Black Angus steer, nearly invisible against the asphalt, has wandered into the road. The consequences are costly—and potentially litigious. According to attorney Kelsea Eckert, whose firm , PA, has handled numerous... Read this article online