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Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Pork exports contribute to Smithfield's profit comeback

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Smithfield Foods Inc., based in Virginia, cites pork exports to Canada, along with other countries, as contributing to quarterly earnings that far exceeded expectations.

In the quarter ending in January, Smithfield, the world's largest pork producer, exported 24 per cent of its production. According to published reports, chief executive Larry Pope credited double digit increases in sales to Japan, China Korea and Canada. As a result, Smithfield revenue rose 10 per cent to $3.19 billion, above the $3.16 billion average analyst forecast. The hog production unit still lost money, but it was only $2.3 million compared to $78.3 million a year before as higher hog prices made up for expensive feed.

Across the industry, Pope said when announcing the company's financial situation, "supply and demand are in balance."

Smithfield said it reduced its debt by $913 million by January, bringing its total debt level to $2.1 billion.  BP

Current Issue

February 2026

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

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

Indoor Berry Farming Without Bees

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Montel Inc, a Canadian manufacturer that makes high-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 a... 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

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