U.S. sow gestation stalls under attack Sunday, April 1, 2012 The pressure to end the use of dry sow stalls is growing south of the border, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the vise. In early February, the Austin Daily Herald in Minnesota reported that Jeff Ettinge, chief executive of Hormel Foods, announced at its annual general meeting plans to end use of sow gestation crates on its Arizona farms by next year and in Colorado and Wyoming by 2017. Ettinge was responding to a question from a member of the HSUS, which is a shareholder.At about the same time, the HSUS announced it was going after Wal-Mart suppliers Seaboard Foods and Prestige Farms. HSUS subsequently complained to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission that Seaboard and Prestige spread "grossly false and misleading statements" about its animal welfare practices."McDonald's Corporation announced it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out use of sow gestation stalls by May. "McDonald's wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain," said a joint press release with HSUS.In addition, Bon Appetit Management, a nationwide food service operator, announced it would phase out pork products from stall-housed sows by 2015. BP Behind the Lines - April 2012 Pakistan capital inundated with wild boars
Tri-National Agricultural Accord Strengthens Food Security and Trade Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Agricultural leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico convened for the 34th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord, issuing a joint communiqué that underscores the critical role of states and provinces in safeguarding food security and enhancing North American trade. Led by... Read this article online
RCMP investigating cattle poaching Wednesday, October 29, 2025 RCMP in British Columbia are investigating multiple incidents of cattle poaching. On the weekend of Sept. 26, police received calls of cattle poaching in Merritt, along Brookmere Road, and in Quesnel and Hixon. All of these incidents occurred on Crown land. “I can advise that the... Read this article online
New Path for Canada Mexico Farm Trade Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, joined Mexican officials and private sector representatives for “Mexico-Canada Agribusiness Dialogue,” aimed at strengthening collaboration and commercial ties between the two nations. The dialogue was organized by the... Read this article online
Market Trends and Trade Talks Shaping Farm Decisions Tuesday, October 28, 2025 The past week was marked by political headlines, trade speculation, and shifting commodity markets. On the weekly Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and Commodity Strategist Abhinesh Gopal discussed the key market drivers influencing agriculture during the week of October 20 to 24,... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Oct. 20 – 24 Tuesday, October 28, 2025 MPs brought up ag and related issues multiple times during last week’s question period. On Oct. 20, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked if the Liberals would remove four taxes to make food more affordable for Canadians. “They now have four inflationary taxes that apply to... Read this article online