Worldwide hog production shrinks and Smithfield rocks Sunday, February 6, 2011 Only last June, a troubled Smithfield Foods Inc., based in Virginia, was denying published reports from Brazil that it was going to sell its pork production to JBS, the Brazilian meat packing giant that had already purchased Smithfield's beef operations. What a difference a few months make for the self-described world's largest pork processor and hog producer. While worldwide hog production shrank two per cent, Smithfield reported record high earnings in the quarter ending Oct. 31.Smithfield made money on both pig raising and processing. Live hog market prices rose 54 per cent to $56 per hundredweight from $36. Cutout prices rose more. "Smithfield is performing at record levels and we are focused on continuing to deliver strong earnings in the second half of fiscal 2011. All indications are that fiscal 2011 will be a record year for the company," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer, in a December press release.Published reports indicate that Smithfield managed to pay down half of a US$1 billion debt in bonds that were due in 2011. The other half may not be as easy, since recently the U.S. government renewed an ethanol subsidy that keeps grain prices high. BP 'Pocket pigs' pose problems Commercial feed is the salmonella culprit
Manitoba Produces Most of the Nation's Sunflower Crop Wednesday, July 29, 2026 With their bright yellow blooms and towering stalks, sunflowers are among the most recognizable crops in agriculture. While they are often associated with decorative gardens and summer tourism, sunflowers also represent an important commercial crop in Canada, supplying food, birdseed, and... Read this article online
10,000 Chickens Die After Break-In at Nova Scotia Poultry Barn Wednesday, July 29, 2026 A Nova Scotia poultry operation in Pine Grove is dealing with a devastating loss after a suspected break-in resulted in the deaths of approximately 10,000 chickens. According to investigators, the incident occurred at a poultry barn on Naugler Road in Pine Grove, located in Lunenburg... Read this article online
Manitoba Crops Advance Rapidly as Canola Flowers and Corn Nears Tasseling Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Manitoba producers are seeing crops advance quickly across much of the province as warm weather continues to drive development in cereals, oilseeds, soybeans, and forage crops. According to the Manitoba Crop Report for the week ending July 26, crops are generally progressing well,... Read this article online
Pre Harvest Glyphosate Timing Protects Crop Markets Wednesday, July 29, 2026 As harvest season approaches, growers are being reminded that proper timing is essential when applying pre-harvest glyphosate for weed control. Following recommended staging guidelines can help protect crop quality, reduce residue concerns, and support continued access to domestic and... Read this article online
Grain Safety is Literally a Matter of Life and Death Wednesday, July 29, 2026 The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging farmers, workers, and rural communities to make safety a priority during the sixth annualBeGrainSafeWeek, taking place from August 10 to 16. The awareness campaign is part of theBeGrainSafeprogram, which was launchedto... Read this article online