Danish Crown wants to sell shares Monday, December 5, 2011 Smithfield Foods is well known as the world's largest pork producer. But the world's largest pork exporter isn't on this continent.Danish Crown, 124 years old and co-operatively owned by 9,800 farmers, slaughtered 19.4 million hogs in 2009/2010 in Denmark, Britain, Sweden and Poland. It sells to 130 different countries with annual revenue of C$8.44 billion and its largest export market is the United States. It wants to raise C$1 billion in development capital and it won't come from cash-strapped farmers. So "going public" by selling stock on an exchange is being considered. The goal, according to board chairman Niels Mikkelsen, is to become one of the three largest food companies in Europe.However, Henrik Mortensen, chairman of Danske Svineproducenter, the national association of Danish pork producers, has warned that farmers must be aware of the consequences of such a step.In early October, Danish Crown laid off 400 employees in Demark packing plants because fewer pigs were being sent to slaughter than anticipated. According to a press release: "High labour costs continue to pose a major challenge for the company, which explains the continued strong focus on capacity." BP Smithfield sow numbers down, but still huge Pork products make fast-food comeback
Indoor Berry Farming Without Bees Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Montel Inc, a Canadian manufacturerthat makeshigh-density mobile systems and vertical farming solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to advance indoor berry production without bees. The collaboration will focus on developing and testing... Read this article online
Ag in federal NDP leadership candidate plans Wednesday, February 18, 2026 The federal NDP will elect its next leader next month at the Winnipeg Convention. Before that, though, the five candidates vying for the leadership will participate in their final leadership debate in B.C. on Feb. 19. With that at top of mind, here’s how the leadership hopefuls and... Read this article online
Essential Pre-Season Seeder Prep Every Farmer Should Do Tuesday, February 17, 2026 A successful planting season starts long before the tractor hits the field. Whether you run an air seeder, box drill, or precision planter, proper preseason maintenance ensures accurate seed placement, consistent emergence, and fewer costly breakdowns. Here is a guide to getting your... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Feb. 9 – 13 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 John Barlow, the Conservative agriculture critic, wanted answers about Canada’s dealings with China and how it pertains to canola farmers. On Feb. 12, and citing a Reuters report, Barlow asked for clarification about when Canadian canola farmers would see the tariff relief the prime... Read this article online
AWC Helps Women Navigate Hard Moments in Agriculture Tuesday, February 17, 2026 In these difficult economic times in agriculture, you may be needing to have a few hard conversations. When a conversation feels tough, it’s often because something meaningful is on the line — a relationship, a job, respect, expectations, or even your own boundaries. No wonder your nervous... Read this article online