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
Pork and politics: Canadians bring trade pitch to Iowa state fair Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Pork is a popular topic at the Iowa State Fair as hungry patrons mow down on barbecue and curious children gaze with wide eyes at the state’s biggest pig. But the 11-day fair in Des Moines has also proven an important opportunity for Canadians to make their case at a time of tumult in the... Read this article online
Elmers Unveils Super7 Harrow and WD2 Ditcher Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Elmer’s Manufacturing is expanding its lineup of agricultural equipment with the introduction of the Super7 Harrow and the Wolverine WD2 Ditcher. Elmer Manufacturing's latest products highlight the company’s focus on improving field performance, operator convenience, and machine... Read this article online
Manitoba Harvest Accelerates as Spring Wheat, Barley and Pea Crops Enter the Combine Stage Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Harvest activity is gaining momentum across Manitoba as producers begin combining cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops while continuing forage and silage operations. According to the latest Manitoba crop report, early harvest progress and encouraging yield reports are creating cautious... Read this article online
Grain Markets Climb on Weather and Supply Concerns Monday, August 17, 2026 Grain markets finished higher during the week ending August 14, 2026, as traders reacted to a supportive USDA August crop report, changing weather conditions across the U.S. Midwest, and continued geopolitical concerns affecting global grain supplies. The latest Farms.com Risk... Read this article online
National Citizens Inquiry hosting public ag hearings in Alberta Monday, August 17, 2026 An organization is hosting three days of conversations about agriculture in Alberta. The National Citizens Inquiry (NCI), an independent and citizen-led initiative launched in November 2022 to investigate Canadian government responses to COVID-19, is hosting “Are Farmers Safe in Canada?”... Read this article online