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?
Trade revamp - securing U.S. farmers' future Friday, September 20, 2024 Strategic trade talks to boost U.S. agriculture stability The current landscape of U.S. agriculture, burdened by a substantial trade deficit, necessitates a strategic overhaul of trade policies to protect the interests of American farmers and ranchers. Central to this strategy is... Read this article online
Stinger Spade Bits kit from Spyder Friday, September 20, 2024 By Braxteen Breen, Whether you are constructing/repairing fencing and other structures around the farm, you can get those tasks completed on the farm quickly with the Stinger Spade Bits kit from Spyder. The Spade Bits kit provides an economical solution for someone who wants to make... Read this article online
Can the agriculture sector in Ukraine be restored? Thursday, September 19, 2024 5 Strategies that could help rebuild Ukraine agriculture Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine’s agricultural sector has faced immense losses, with damages surpassing $10 billion. This includes the destruction of machinery worth $5.8 billion and losses to livestock farms... Read this article online
North West Terminal idles grain elevator in Unity, Sask. Thursday, September 19, 2024 A grain handler in Saskatchewan is no longer in operation. In a Sept. 18 letter posted to its website, North West Terminal (NWT) announced it is idling its grain elevator near Unity, Sask., due to financial challenges. NWT started what it calls a “strategic review process” last August... Read this article online
New transport minister in small cabinet shuffle Thursday, September 19, 2024 A small cabinet shuffle in Ottawa on Thursday will result in a new federal transport minister. Current Treasury Board President Anita Anand is set to add the transport minister portfolio to her workload, CTV News and the Star have reported. This move comes after former minister of transport... Read this article online