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
Women in Agriculture - Time to put Yourself First! Wednesday, March 12, 2025 What do 31 + students studying agriculture and food at Canadian universities and colleges across the country, 41 speakers, 32 exhibitors, and 300+ delegates have in common? They will all be attending the 22nd Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference next week in Calgary, Alberta. AWC... Read this article online
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority Warns Investors About "Pig Butchering Scams" in Advertising Campaign Wednesday, March 12, 2025 During March, which is Fraud Prevention Month, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is releasing an informative advertising campaign for investors and consumers. The campaign that spans province-wide informs investors and consumers about a type of investment... Read this article online
International Women’s Day – Ashley Perepelkin Tuesday, March 11, 2025 As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, Farms.com is asking women in ag about what they’d tell their younger selves about being a farmer, to give a piece of advice to young women entering the ag sector, and to highlight a woman in agriculture they consider a mentor or... Read this article online
Reduce Aches and Pains While Driving your Tractor Tuesday, March 11, 2025 If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after driving your tractor all day, learn more about how to protect yourself. Is sitting in a tractor seat all day dangerous? Afterall, sitting in a tractor seat is the same as sitting in a chair, you may think. While bits true that both... Read this article online
Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay retiring from politics Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay’s name won’t be on the ballot in the riding of Cardigan in P.E.I. the next time voters head to the polls. “It has been the honour of my life to represent the people of Eastern Prince Edward Island, but I’m not a young man anymore and I... Read this article online